[JURIST] Pakistani Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry [official website; JURIST news archive] resumed his duties on the Supreme Court of Pakistan [official website] Saturday, a day after the high court reinstated Chaudhry and dismissed all charges of misconduct [order; JURIST report] alleged by President Pervez Musharraf. A presidential spokesperson told state media that Musharraf respected the judicial verdict, and reiterated Musharraf's commitment to "work within the confines of the constitution" [JURIST report]. Thousands of lawyers and opposition members celebrated the verdict Friday, and the opposition has requested Musharraf step down from office.

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