Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has appointed a Hindu judge as Pakistan's new acting chief justice despite huge rallies taking place all over the country by people and judiciary members.

The new acting chief justice Rana Bhagwandas officially appointed by a government notification would "act as chief justice of Pakistan with effect from the date he resumes his office."

Bhagwandas is to replace Justice Javed Iqbal who was appointed on March 9 to replace Iftikar Muhammad Chaudhry.

Musharraf referred the case to a Supreme Judicial Council.

After taking oath as acting chief justice, Bhagwandas is expected to head a reconstituted judicial council for further hearing of the case against Chadhury.


SA/DB