Chairman Kerry Statement on Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) released the following statement today regarding Pakistan's decision to reinstate Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry to office:

"This is an important moment for Pakistan - by restoring Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry to his position as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Pakistani people have shown their commitment to an independent judiciary and to the rule of law. Now, Pakistan's civilian leadership must avoid divisions and work together to further strengthen the nation's democratic institutions."