Brother of Pakistan’s ousted PM becomes head of ruling party

LAHORE, Pakistan – The younger brother of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been elected as acting president of the country’s ruling party after the Supreme Court ruled that anyone disqualified from office cannot serve as party chief.

Tuesday’s move to elevate Shahbaz Sharif as acting head of the Pakistan Muslim League party was seen as an attempt to continue of dynastic political system, which has been opposed by critics.

Shahbaz is currently serving as the chief minister in Punjab province.

Sharif resigned in July after the country’s top court ousted him from office for concealing financial assets.

The court’s decision last week effectively bars Sharif from leading the Pakistan Muslim League. He is now facing trial on corruption charges.