September 28, 2008	Sunday	Ramazan 27, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Sept 27: Deposed chief justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry has said that the goal of independence of judiciary for which the legal fraternity launched a 17-month-long struggle will ultimately be achieved despite difficulties and crisis.

In a statement addressed to presidents, secretaries and members of all the bars of the Supreme Court, high courts and district courts, the deposed chief justice lauded the struggle waged by lawyers and the people of Pakistan for the supremacy of the Constitution and revival of democracy.

The statement, issued here on Saturday by his spokesman Athar Minallah, said the lawyers’ endeavours would always be remembered in history with golden words.

Justice Iftikhar said he would be offering Eid prayers at the Faisal Mosque. Last year, he was prevented by the Islamabad administration from offering prayers at the grand mosque as he was under detention.

“You have set a new tradition of principles and despite the fact that the goals set for the movement have not yet been achieved, it is bound to succeed given the highly motivated soldiers for the cause of justice,” Justice Iftikhar said, adding the struggle was just and on the right path.