Islamabad, Mar. 22 : Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry took over the charge as Pakistan’s Chief Justice (CJP) on Sunday here.

According to The News, a statement released by the Supreme Court has confirmed that Chaudhry has officially taken the charge.

Chaudhry, right after taking the charge approved setting-up of a five-member bench in Principle Seat in Islamabad, and also a Shariat Appellate Bench.

According to sources, the Supreme Court will mostly hear petitions related to criminal and civil cases.

“The purpose is to dispose of criminal matters, especially the pending cases of convicts and undertrail prisoners, so as to grant relief to prisoners, who are languishing in jail,” sources said.

Meanwhile, reports filtering from different sources added that the outgoing Chief Justice, Abdul Hameed Dogar may be appointed as Pakistan’s ambassador to the Saudi Arabia.

The post has been lying vacant after the completion of Admiral (retired) Shahid Karimullah’s term. (ANI)