Pak moves SC against order barring Sharifs from politics

Pakistan government today filed two petitions in the Supreme Court seeking review of its recent verdict barring opposition PML-N leaders Nawaz and Shahbaz Sharif from contesting polls and holding public offices, a ruling that had triggered a major political crisis.     

The petitions asked the apex court to set aside its order of February 25 disqualifying the Sharif brothers from contesting elections and holding public offices.

The petitions also said the verdict had far-reaching implications for electoral laws and fundamental rights.     

The government said it would present further arguments after the Supreme Court issues a detailed judgement. The court has so far issued only a brief order in the case.

Under existing rules, a review petition has to be filed within 30 days of the court giving its verdict.     

After the apex court delivered its judgement, President Asif Ali Zardari imposed Governor's rule in Punjab, which was ruled by the PML-N.     

Nawaz Sharif and his brother, former Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, then threw their weight behind a countrywide protest by lawyers to pressurise the ruling PPP to reinstate judges deposed during the 2007 emergency.     

The government gave in to pressure created by the protest and announced restoration of the sacked judges, including Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, on Monday.