Pakistani lawyers cheer judges' release

HYDERABAD, Pakistan, March 26 (UPI) -- Pakistani lawyers welcomed the release of superior court judges by the new prime minister by celebrating in the streets rather than appearing in court.

Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilan, a leader of slain former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party, ordered the judges' release soon after taking office Tuesday.

Senior legal officials said it was a welcome sign to see Pakistani Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry addressing the crowd from his home but others said they would continue their opposition if the judges weren't reseated.

"We may direct our struggle even against present government if judges are not reinstated," said lawyer and PPP supporter Chaudhry Bashir Gujjar.