Trial of Ex-Leader Rattles Pakistan’s Democracy

Nawaz Sharif warns of ‘tyranny’ as he fights corruption charges ahead of elections due this summer

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan—A clash between former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan’s military and judicial branches is shaking the country’s fragile democracy.

As a verdict looms in Mr. Sharif’s corruption trial, and politicians, generals and judges compete to be seen as Pakistan’s saviors, the nuclear-armed nation of more than 200 million people risks instability.

Mr....