Sharif clear to stand in election

Pakistani electoral authorities have dismissed objections to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif contesting a parliamentary by-election next month.

By-elections are due on 26 June. The officials did not explain why the objections were turned down.

Mr Sharif was not allowed to contest in February's general elections because of criminal convictions.

Thursday's decision comes a few days after Mr Sharif's PML-N party decided to withdraw from the government.

Mr Sharif disagrees with the biggest party in the coalition, the PPP, over how much powers judges sacked by President Musharraf should have when they are reinstated.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Pakistani government
PPP
PML-N
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites