Breaking News: Pakistan President removes Chief Justice

The President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, suspended Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry (@ Wikipedia) from the post of the Chief Justice of Pakistan for "misuse of authority."

A reference has been filed against Justice Iftikhar, who has been replaced by Justice Javed Iqbal as acting Chief Justice.

Reports are trickling in via media. It appears that Justice Iftikhar has been removed for helping his son gain positions of importance.

Justice (retired) Nasir Aslam Zahid is just speaking to Geo TV and expressing his view that this step is extraordinary. He believes that the President should have waited for the report of the Supreme Judicial Council on the inquiry about Justice Iftikhar.

Chief Justice (R) Sajjad Ali Shah says that according to the Constitution, Supreme Judicial Council inquires the cases of misuse of authority while the Chief Justice remains suspended.

Note: It appears that Justice Iftikhar has not been "sacked" as is the impression - but "removed" from acting as the functional Chief Justice while hearing against him proceeds in the Supreme Judicial Council... to avoid conflict of interest.

Lawyers have gathered around the building of the Supreme Court in protest. The doors of the court have been locked.

On acting Chief Justice: Justice Rana Bhagwan Das is out of country, and hence Just. Javed Iqbal has been put in the position of acting Chief Justice. According to Just. Sajjad Ali Shah, his religion is not the reason for the appointment of Just. Javed Iqbal - as Just. Bhagwan Das has previously taken the position.

Note: Removed? Is it "sacked?" Is it "suspended?" Details to come. According to CJ (R) Sajjad Ali, the language of the Constitution is archaic and befuddling. He is saying that a corrected, clearer version of the decision must be made.

Removed Chief Justice Iftikhar is known for taking suo-moto actions on complaints of common citizens, which has rendered him quite a hero in Pakistan.

Famous cases:
Supreme Court halts handover of Steel Mills
Stock Exchange Scam

More: Naeem Bokhari's letter to Justice Iftikhar - Offers interesting insights on the cases related to his son
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