A Pakistani high court has overturned the graft conviction of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The move further clears the way for him to run in the general election set for February.

The Islamabad High Court acquitted Sharif on Tuesday of a charge from 2018 related to an investment in a steel company owned by his son. Sharif was given a seven-year sentence.

The three-time prime minister was permitted to leave the country for one month in 2019 to receive medical treatment. He went to Britain, but did not come back.

Tuesday's ruling is the second such verdict since he returned from his self-imposed exile in October.

Pakistan's Constitution bars anyone convicted of a crime from becoming a member of parliament for a certain period. With the conviction lifted, Sharif is expected to try and return as Prime Minister.

His rival Imran Khan remains in jail after being convicted of corruption.
The former cricketer took power following Sharif's ouster, but was forced to step down after losing a no-confidence vote. He remains popular among young people and low-income workers.