Islamabad: The last remaining graft case against PPP chairman Asif Ali Zardari was quashed today removing a final hurdle to him standing as Pakistan's prime minister, as the party continued to be dogged by differences over choosing a nominee to head the new coalition government.

A Pakistani anti-corruption court dropped the last of seven graft cases giving a big reprieve to Zardari, who has emerged as a frontrunner to lead the PPP-PML(N) government elbowing past PPP vice-chairman Makhdoom Amin Fahim. He has already been cleared in six other cases by anti-corruption courts in Rawalpindi earlier this month in line with a Supreme Court order last month.

In the case registered in 2004, Zardari, 51, was accused of importing a BMW car while allegedly passing himself off as a student in order to evade paying duties. Acquitting Zardari, Rawalpindi Judge Sagheer Quadri said there was no proof that he had imported the car. The differences within the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) over finalising a prime ministerial nominee showed no signs of easing with the once frontrunner and Benazir Bhutto loyalist Fahim insisting he is still a "very strong" contender.

Amin, who met Zardari for the second time last night in as many days, also said he was not interested in becoming President or the Speaker of the new National Assembly. However, in an attempt not to take Zardari head on, Fahim said he would be the first person to support the PPP chairman if he expressed a desire to become prime minister. PPP is expected to name its candidate on March 17, when the first session of the new National Assembly is due to start.

Backroom jostling over sharing of power meanwhile continued with former premier Nawaz Sharif's PML-N demanding strategic ministries like Defence.

Source : PTI