Pakistani prosecutors said yesterday they are pressing ahead with corruption cases against opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, a move his lawyer called politically motivated as the presidential race grew increasingly testy.

Asif Ali Zardari, head of the main ruling party and widower of slain ex-Premier Benazir Bhutto, is expected to easily capture enough lawmakers' votes on Saturday. Sharif's party is fielding a retired judge as its candidate.

The election and surrounding political maneuvering are being watched carefully by the US, which considers Pakistan's cooperation critical in the war on terror.