The government candidate in the Pakistani presidential election, Muhammad Rafiq Tarar, has been elected by an overwhelming majority.

Mr Tarar, a former judge little known in political circles, secured two-hundred-and-forty-five votes out of nearly three-hundred cast in the federal parliament, compared with thirty-nine for his main challenger, Shabaan Mirani.

Earlier in the month, Mr Tarar was disqualified from standing for the presidency by the Election Commission for making derogatory remarks about the judiciary.

A final court ruling on a government appeal against the decision is not expected until mid-January.

If it rules against him, he will have to step down.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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