Pak SC bars Sharif from party chair

Pakistan's Supreme Court yesterday ruled that a disqualified politician cannot lead a political party, paving the way for the removal of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif from chairing his embattled Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz.

It comes months after the ruling PMLN party passed a law allowing Sharif to remain at the helm despite being removed from the premiership over graft allegations last July.

Sharif and his supporters have repeatedly denied allegations of corruption.

Sharif was the 15th prime minister in Pakistan's 70-year history -- roughly half of it under military rule -- to be ousted before completing a full term.