31 March,2009 03:21 PM IST | | PTI
Pakistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed an earlier verdict disqualifying opposition leaders Nawaz and Shahbaz Sharif from electoral politics, paving the way for the restoration of the PML-N government in the politically crucial Punjab province.
A five-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Tassaduq Hussain suspended an apex court judgement of February 25 that barred the Sharif brothers from contesting polls and holding elected office.
A large number of PML-N workers broke into impromptu celebrations outside the Supreme Court soon after the bench gave its order.
"Shahbaz Sharif has not only been declared a member of the Punjab assembly but he will also take charge of the post of Chief Minister again today," senior PML-N leader Raja Zafrul Haq told reporters outside the court.
"This is a victory for Pakistan, the democratic system and the leadership of Nawaz Sharif," Haq said.
"We are really very happy that the court has made a decision according to the constitution and the law of the land. Democracy will again be on the march."
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani congratulated Shahbaz Sharif on the restoration of the PML-N government in Punjab.
