Pakistan's top judge calls for ensuring rule of law, protecting human rights

Pakistan's suspended chief justice urged the country's citizens to defend the rule of law and democratic institutions at a rally Sunday in the eastern city of Lahore, saying that they were necessary to uphold human rights.

"Democracy strengthens the judiciary," Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry told a gathering of about 2,000 lawyers and supporters from the opposition parties.

It was the smallest pro-Chaudhry rally since March 9 when President Gen. Pervez Musharraf ousted the judge, sparking nationwide protests.

Earlier, lawyers chanted "Go, Musharraf Go," and "No to dictatorship," as Chaudhry arrived in Lahore from Islamabad. His caravan covered a distance of 25 kilometers (15 miles) in about 10 hours due to heavy traffic on the roads.

Musharraf has been confronted with the worst political crisis of his presidency since he suspended Chaudhry, accusing him of nepotism, misconduct and abusing his office to get a prized job for his son.

Chaudhry denies the charges, and has been fighting a legal battle to be reinstated as chief justice.

The latest rally began a day after protesting Islamists condemned the president for ordering a deadly raid on a mosque.

Pressure on Musharraf has intensified and tension across Pakistan has been high since army commandos launched a major assault on the Red Mosque in the capital, Islamabad on Wednesday. The raid ended an eight-day siege with a pro-Taliban cleric and his militant supporters and left more than 100 people dead.

Islamists across Pakistan rallied on Friday to condemn the raid and demand Musharraf step down.

Musharraf has also faced widespread calls for his resignation for ousting Chaudhry, who has challenged the government action before the Supreme Court, which is expected to announce its verdict this month.

Chaudhry told the crowd it was imperative to protect the constitution to ensure that human rights were not violated.

"The constitution guarantees the protection of basic rights of every citizen," he said.

"The time has come when you should strive for the rule of law."

Earlier, authorities had deployed thousands of police to ensure peace during Chaudhry's rally.

In May, about 40 people died in gunbattles between Chaudhry supporters and associates of a pro-Musharraf political party when he traveled to the southern city of Karachi for a similar rally.