[JURIST] Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf [official website] said publicly Tuesday that he has accepted the judgment of the judiciary to reinstate Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry [official website; JURIST news archive], adding that the "four pillars" of democratic society consisting of the judiciary, legislature, executive, and media must be able to "conduct their roles without fear or favor." In July, the Supreme Court of Pakistan [official website] reinstated Chaudhry and dismissed all charges of misconduct [order; JURIST report]. Shortly after the court's decision, Chaudhry resumed his duties [JURIST report] at the high court.

Many Pakistani lawyers and opposition leaders have alleged that Musharraf's March 9 suspension [JURIST report] of Chaudhry was an indirect bid to forestall any legal challenges if Musharraf seeks to extend his eight-year rule by another five years later this year. AP has more. APP has local coverage.