Blow to Musharraf, Pak Chief Justice Reinstated

In a severe blow to General Pervez Musharraf, a 13-member bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, has reinstated Chief Justice Ifftikhar Khan Chaudhry, who was sacked by the President citing reasons of irregularities and abuse of power. There was a mass protest against Musharraf in support of the Chief Justice and several lawyers and students had joined the agitation. Justice Chaudhry emerged as a strong opponent of Musharraf following the controversial sacking.

Musharraf, who was on a high after his onslaught on Lal Masjid, is all set to invite fresh trouble following today's historic decision by the Supreme Court. With Chief Justice Chaudhry at helm, General Musharraf will find it tough to get another term in office using his political manoeuvre and muscle power. Tariq Aziz, Prime Minister of Pakistan and Imran Khan, cricketer-turned politician have welcomed the decision.