Pakistan will issue notification for judge restoration on Tuesday, an official confirmation of the restoration of deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.

Federal Secretary of Law and Justice Agha Rafiq told reporters that the law ministry would forward the notification draft to Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, who will give advice to President Asif Ali Zardari for the approval.

Restored Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry (C, without tie) celebrates with lawyers in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, March 16, 2009. Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Monday announced the restoration of all judges including Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry deposed in 2007, in a bid to end political turmoil in the country. (Xinhua/Rao Bo)

Following the President's approval, notification will be sent back to the law ministry for official issuance, Rafiq said.

The Pakistani government on Monday announced the restoration of deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry following protests from lawyers and activists, a move aimed at defusing the rising political turmoil.

"My countrymen, in accordance with my commitment and the commitment made by the President of Pakistan, I declare reinstatement of Mr Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and all other deposed judges on their positions," said Gilani in a televised speech early Monday morning.

Gilani said that Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry will take office on March 21 on the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar.

Gilani also demanded immediate release of all political activists and lawyers who have been arrested over the past few days.

The lawyers and political activists kicked off their "long march" on March 12, and planned to reach Islamabad Monday to stage sit-in pressing for the government to restore the judges including Chaudhry sacked in November 2007 when then-President Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency.

Supporters of restored Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry hold a celebration outside his residence in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, March 16, 2009. Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Monday announced the restoration of all judges including Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry deposed in 2007, in a bid to end political turmoil in the country.(Xinhua/Rao Bo)

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, also chief of opposition party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), spearheaded the procession from eastern city of Lahore to Islamabad after defying a detention order issued by the local administration.

Sharif has called off the "long march" and sit-in after the government's decision to restore the chief justice.

Sharif congratulated the whole nation over the reinstatement of deposed judges, saying the restoration of chief justice is a big success and a prelude to positive change.

Deposed Pakistani Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry leaves after after offering prayers in Islamabad on March 13. Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani announced Monday the government would reinstate the country's deposed top judge, caving in to a key opposition demand in a bid to end political turmoil. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

A large number of political activists and lawyers rushed to the residence of the former chief justice to celebrate his restoration.

Pakistan plunged into another political turmoil just one year after the new government, led by Pakistan People's Party (PPP), took office.

Sharif and Zardari, also the PPP co-chairman, broke up last August after Zardari refused to reinstate the chief justice.

Editor: Yan