Thousands of people calling for the resignation of Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan's president, have protested outside Islamabad's supreme court as the country's suspended chief justice defended himself against charges of misconduct.

Chanting "Musharraf, killer of justice", lawyers and opposition party supporters cheered as the judge arrived before police drove them back from the building's gates.

Musharraf has faced a wave of protests since removing Iftikhar Chaudhry, Pakistan's most senior judge, nearly a month ago.

A panel of judges is examining several allegations against Chaudhry, including one that he abused his position to obtain a senior police job for his son who was unqualified.

Opposition parties said police had arrested "hundreds" of supporters overnight before the protests on Tuesday.

Lawyers rally

In the eastern city of Lahore around 1,500 lawyers shouted slogans at the high court. They were outnumbered by around 4,000 police.

Another 300 lawyers rallied in the southern city of Karachi, around 400 in the central city of Multan and 250 in the northwestern city of Peshawar while there was a widespread boycott of court proceedings.

Opponents say Musharraf suspended Chaudhry to weaken the judiciary in a bid to remain army chief past 2007, when he is meant to give up the position under the constitution.

Musharraf is also expected to seek re-election for another five-year presidential term by the outgoing parliament ahead of national polls due late this year or early next - a move that could also spark legal challenges.

PHOTO CAPTION

Pakistani lawyers chant anti-government slogans during a protest in Karachi March 12, 2007. (Reuters)