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Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. — File photo

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Thursday said that interpretation of laws was the judiciary's calling whereas implementation of those laws was the executive's responsibility, DawnNews reported.

Addressing a full court reference on the occasion of Justice Shakirullah Jan's retirement, the chief justice said that the judiciary was aware of the fundamental rights of the people and the authorities and rights of state institutions.

He said that the judiciary held a position parallel to that of the legislature and of the executive.

The chief justice rejected the perception that the judiciary was playing the role of the opposition, adding that, all state institutions should respect the judiciary's independence.

He added that the existence of and respect for an independent judiciary was inevitable for the state.

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