Islamabad: Pakistanis celebrated yesterday's epoch-making Supreme Court verdict as chief justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry regained his judicial crown after spending four months and 10 days suspended from his position.
Business leaders, politicians, lawyers and the intelligentsia joined people across the country in hailing the decision.
They said it paved the way for a truly independent judiciary and the dawn of a genuine democratic era in Pakistan as the nation prepares to go to the polls later this year.
In cities and towns jubilant residents distributed sweets, a traditional means of celebration.
Justice Chaudhry's lead counsel, Aitzaz Ahsan, a prominent leader of former prime minister Ben-azir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party, battled government attorneys in the 43-day proceedings before a 13-judge bench on the petition of the chief justice.
"I felicitate the nation and the lawyers community for their efforts for the independence of the judiciary," Ahsan said to reporters after the announcement of the judgment.
Untiring struggle
He said the verdict was a result of an untiring struggle by the legal community and the whole nation and it would enable the judiciary to work for quick justice and delivery of rights to the people of Pakistan.
President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Munir A Malik, said: "Today we have seen a new birth of the Supreme Court."
He said the lawyers struggled courageously for the independence of the judiciary, adding, "We want to see every judge dispensing justice and upholding the law and the Constitution."
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said the constitution and the law prevailed.
"This is not the time to claim victory or defeat. The Constitution and the law have prevailed and must prevail at all times," said Aziz, on whose advice President Pervez Musharraf had moved against Chaudhry on March 9.
He said: "It is in this spirit my government and I expect the decision shall be accepted by all shades of public opinion and by every Pakistani irrespective of his or her views and affiliations."
Aziz emphasised, "We must all accept the verdict with grace and dignity reflective of a mature nation."
Referring to the grave security environment as a result of a spate of terrorist attacks claiming hundreds of lives, he said Pakistan had been through a "difficult and stressful time these past months."
He added: "We should now look ahead and move forward. The coming months hold the key to a democratic, economically vibrant and Islamic Pakistan.
"We must all unite against the current wave of extremism and militancy being spread by a handful of elements who are clearly working against the people and the State of Pakistan.
"Today is the time for unity and cohesion to fight this threat to our ideology and our integrity," the prime minister said.
He said the nation should look ahead to elections scheduled for later this year and prepare to fully participate in the forthcoming democratic process.
Democratic process
The government on its part "shall spare no effort to ensure the democratic process remains on track.
"It expects all other political parties and different segments of society to work with the government to complete this process efficiently and transparently," Aziz said.
Former prime minister Benazir Bhutto said the court verdict met the "aspirations of the people of Pakistan."
Bhutto said the decision would definitely impact foreseeable constitutional issues.
The United States hailed the decision, saying it was done in line with the constitution and rule of law.
Washington also said it was pleased to note President Pervez Musharraf's administration had accepted the decision, seen by many as a major blow for the embattled military ruler, a top US ally.
"I think this speaks well of the fact that Pakistanis are certainly capable of resolving even some fairly difficult and what has been at times emotional political issues in a way that is consistent with the rule of law," said Tom Casey, a State Department spokesman.
Islamabad (AFP) With his rambling, legalistic speeches and his lazy eye, Pakistan's chief justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry has become an unlikely hero for opponents of President Pervez Musharraf.
The 59-year-old, in his signature black suit, has been showered with rose petals by tens of thousands of cheering supporters on a series of roadshows since military ruler Musharraf suspended him for alleged misconduct in March.
Yet he has also become a catalyst for violence amid high tensions, including a suicide blast at a pro-Chaudhry rally in Islamabad on Tuesday and clashes in Karachi in May that left 40 dead.
Yesterday, the Supreme Court reinstated Chaudhry and overturned the charges against him, sparking jubilant celebrations outside the courthouse.
"This man has shown a lot of courage," political commentator Shafqat Mahmood said. "If he had any personal mistakes in the past they have been superceded by his exemplary fightback against Musharraf."
Chaudhry's journey began on March 9 this year.
