Iftikhar Chaudhry was addressing lawyers in Rawalpindi in his first public speech since President Musharraf accused him of misusing his office.

?Failure to do justice shakes at the very foundations of nationhood,? Chaudhry told those present. Protests have been held in cities across Pakistan over the suspension and consequent government actions. Many observers say Chaudhry was removed because President Musharraf needs a pliant judiciary in a general election year. Correspondents say the general also wants to legalise his own re-election without being forced to give up the post of head of the army.

Chaudhry travelled to Rawalpindi from the nearby capital, Islamabad, in a convoy of cars and was met by supporters throwing rose petals.

During the appearance at the Bar Association in Rawalpindi, Chaudhry declined to comment on his own case. He denies wrongdoing.

The allegations against him are being looked into by a panel of fellow Supreme Court judges, the Supreme Judicial Council.

Chaudhry has a reputation for judicial independence which is said to have irritated President Musharraf. The main charge against him is that he used his authority to have his son appointed to a prestigious government position.