Move to bar Pakistan ex-PM return

Mr Sharif was deposed in a 1999 coup

Pakistan's government has submitted documents to the Supreme Court aimed at preventing the return of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Mr Sharif went into exile seven years ago after he was ousted in a coup by President General Pervez Musharraf.

He is now planning to come back to lead a campaign against the general ahead of forthcoming elections.

But the government says this would violate a deal Mr Sharif signed to leave jail to live in Saudi Arabia.

"Mr Nawaz Sharif does not require an invitation from the government to return," said a nine-page statement submitted to the court in reply to Mr Sharif's petition to return.

"But on his arrival, the law will take its course," the government statement added. "He will be dealt in accordance with the law."

Stakes raised

Mr Sharif has asked the Supreme Court for permission to return to Pakistan with guarantees that he would not be jailed if he did so.

The judiciary has been more combative towards the government

He has always denied doing a deal with the government, but lately he has admitted to reaching an understanding with the Saudis.

Now, government lawyers have given the court copies of a document allegedly signed by Mr Sharif, which says he will not engage in political activity or return to Pakistan for 10 years.

The BBC's Barbara Plett in Islamabad says it is not clear whether this document will stand up in court.

But our correspondent says what is clear is that Gen Musharraf and his political allies are worried by the prospect of Mr Sharif's return, which it is believed would strengthen an opposition campaign against the president.

Our correspondent says that the stakes have been raised by the reinstatement of the chief justice, who was suspended by the president in March.

Since he got his job back, the judiciary has appeared more combative towards the military-led government.

The hearing is set to resume on Thursday, but the authorities have asked the court for a delay of three more weeks in order to produce the original document.

Observers say the government has been treading carefully as the Saudis want to avoid publicity about their role and do not want to be dragged into Pakistan's internal politics.