Pakistani jailed opposition leader nominated for premier

Asian Political News, August 30, 2004

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 26 Kyodo

A Pakistani opposition alliance on Thursday nominated the imprisoned leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) to compete against a candidate backed by President Gen. Pervez Musharraf in an election for a new prime minister.

The Alliance for Restoration of Democracy fielded Makhdoom Javed Hashmi to stand against Shaukat Aziz, the outgoing finance minister and a close ally of Musharraf, in Friday's vote.

Although he has no realistic chance of winning, the nomination is a sign of opposition to Musharraf's controlling influence in the National Assembly.

Hashmi was sentenced in April to 23 years in jail on charges of treason and inciting the army.

The speaker of the National Assembly, Chaudri Amir Hussain, reserved judgment on Hashmi's candidature, an official of the assembly said.