22 Mar 2009

Sacked Pakistan judge regains his post

7:53 pm on 22 March 2009

Pakistan's chief justice has formally resumed his duties at the Supreme Court following 18 months of protest over his sacking.

Iftikhar Chaudhry was sacked in 2007 along with 60 other top judges, by the former military ruler, Pervez Musharraf.

The dramatic climbdown by Pakistan's government staved off a planned protest rally.

The government says he was able to be restored because the chief justice appointed by the former military leader Pervez Musharraf has now retired.

Mr Chaudhry's reinstatement as chief justice was marked by a ceremonial flag raising and triggered scenes of jubilation from his supporters outside his home in Islamabad.