Musharraf barred from Pak polls

Pakistan's former President and military ruler Pervez Musharraf arrives to present party manifesto leaflets to candidates at his residence in Islamabad, Pakistan on April 15. Photo: AP

Pakistan's former military leader Pervez Musharraf has been barred from standing in general elections in May.

An election tribunal disqualified him from running in Chitral in the west. Earlier, he failed in an attempt to stand in three other seats.

Musharraf's lawyer says he plans to file an appeal with the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, at least four people were killed in an attack on a convoy of the main opposition PML-N party in the south-western province of Balochistan.

Pervez Musharraf returned from self-imposed exile in Dubai last month saying he wanted to save Pakistan.

The former military ruler is already embroiled in a series of legal battles attempting to stave off arrest, and a bid to try him for treason.

In addition to his legal and political problems, he is facing a security threat from the Pakistani Taliban, who have vowed to target him with a squad of suicide bombers.

There was no immediate claim for the attack in Balochistan. Correspondents say the area has no Taliban presence and is known to be a hotbed of separatist rebel activity.