Nawaz Sharif, the exiled former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been permitted to return to the country, following a Supreme Court ruling.
As increasing pressure is put on current President Pervez Musharraf - who seized power in a 1999 military coup - the decision has been greeted jubilantly by Sharif supporters.
Talking to Reuters, Nadir Chaudhuri, Mr Sharif's spokesman, said: "It's a great day for democracy and rule of law and for the fundamental rights of the people of Pakistan."
Mr Sharif announced in June that he and former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan were teaming up to topple General Musharraf's "dictatorship".
He had been sentenced to life in prison for hijacking, tax evasion and treason following the coup, after he attempted to prevent the landing of Musharraf's plane.
Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said in his concluding judgment: "The Sharifs can return to Pakistan unhindered.
"They have an inalienable right to return and remain in the country as citizens of Pakistan."
