Former Pakistani Prime Minister Cleared To Contest Elections

Raja Pervez Ashraf

A Pakistani court has cleared former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf to run in the country's upcoming general elections.

The Lahore High Court overrode a disqualification order by the country's election tribunal.

Earlier this month, the tribunal disqualified Ashraf from contesting Gojar Khan district in Punjab Province after he was accused of corruption by opponents.

Ashraf, a candidate from the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), brought his case to the Lahore High Court after he lodged a failed appeal with the tribunal.

Ashraf was sworn in as prime minister in June after Pakistan's Supreme Court sacked his predecessor, Yousaf Raza Gillani.

Gilani was convicted of contempt for refusing to ask Switzerland to reopen corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari on the grounds that he has immunity as head of state.


Based on reporting by AFP and "Express News"