Gen Qayyum oppossed the privitisation of Steel Mill back when he was the chairman and still stands on that point. It was the reason that his letters to the President and PM ( which he claimed to be private back in the SC ) were included as an evidence during the hearing of the case. So it is not that the man has changed parties it just that he stands by his “principles”, one may say.

Also, Iftikhar Chaudhry has now become more of a symbol then the personally tout that was [resent when he was first re-instated. He has become a symbol of fight against opression. Symbol of Justice.

Lets hope he compes upto the peoples expectations upon his restoration.

In the wake of the imposition of emergency rule in Pakistan, on November 14, 2007, the Harvard Law School Association decided to award its highest honour, the Medal of Freedom to Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, following the military crackdown the previous week. He becomes the first Pakistani to be presented with such honour.

Harvard Law School Medal of Freedom is given to selected personalities for their contributions to freedom, justice, and equality. Former South African President Nelson Mandela is one of the previous recipients of this award.

As Iftikhar Chaudhry was under house-arrest at that time, the school planned to hold a grand ceremony to award the medal hoping that its recipient will soon be released and allowed to attend. According to the official statement:

Although Mr Chaudhry has been placed under house arrest and is not free to leave Pakistan.

The same statement announcing the award, identifies Chaudhry as Pakistan’s chief justice and not as a deposed or former judge.

— Elena Kagan, Harvard Law School’s Dean, on the Justice Iftikhar’s awarding.