ISLAMABAD, March 27: The Pakistan Coalition for Free and Fair Election (Pacfrel) has appreciated the release of judges from house arrest and demanded withdrawal of all cases registered against lawyers and civil society activists during the movement for freedom of judiciary.

A statement issued by Marvin Pervez, representative of Pacfrel, said that although these lawyers were at present free on bail they would have to endure cumbersome legal procedures and suffer hardship for years before getting cleared in these cases.

The statement said that these activists had not committed any crime because they were only trying to promote democratic values of freedom of expression and justice. Therefore, the statement added: “We hope that the newly elected democratic government will respect their rights and will nullify all cases against them.”