Nawaz Sharif, his brother Shahbaz can return to country:Pak SC

Islamabad, Aug 23 (UNI) In a historic verdict, the Pakistan Supreme Court today allowed former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shahbaz to return home after seven years in exile and remain here as citizens of Pakistan, in yet another setback for the Pervez Musharraf regime.

The unanimous verdict, paving the way for the return of Mr Sharif to participate in the upcoming Parliamentary elections, was given by a seven-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Choudhry.

Mr Sharif, whose duly elected government was overthrown in a military coup by Gen Musharraf in October 1999, was sent in exile along with his family members to Saudi Arabia a year later.

"The Sharifs can return to Pakistan unhindered," Justice Chaudhry said in his judgment. "They had an inalienable right to return and remain in the country as citizens of Pakistan." Their safe return will not be restricted or hampered by the federal governments or provincial governments or any other agencies in any manner," Justice Chaudhry added.

According to reports from London, where Mr Sharif is currently living, the former pakistan Premier said he would return home ''as soon as possible'' to contest the coming polls.

Mr Sharif had approached X X X here pick up from para one of DF 10 EXTERNAL NAWAZ SHARIF TWO ISLAMABAD.

UNI