Islamabad - Pakistan's government would restore dozens of senior judges sacked by former president Pervez Musharraf Tuesday afternoon, a Pakistani cabinet minister said.

The announcement was expected to be made after a meeting of ruling coalition leaders scheduled for 1 pm (0700 GMT) in Islamabad.

"The decision on the judges will be taken and announced today," Law Minister Farooq Naek told reporters in Parliament Tuesday, a day after Musharraf resigned.

Asfand Yar Wali, head of the Awami National Party, a junior partner in the coalition, also confirmed the plans to reinstate the judges.

"We are meeting today, and by the grace of God, they will be restored," he said.

More than 60 judges were removed by Musharraf under an emergency order on November 3 as the Supreme Court was set to rule against his election for a second presidential term.

The move led to the political demise of the retired army general, who resigned Monday to avoid impeachment in Parliament by parties in the coalition government.

The resignation was immediately accepted, and Senate Chairman Mohammedmian Soomro took charge as caretaker president.

Coalition leaders are also to discuss Musharraf's successor.

Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of slain ex-premier Benazir Bhutto, has indicated that the next president would be from his Pakistan People's Party, which has the most seats in Parliament. (dpa)