Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf’s (PTI) local chapters had celebrated ‘victory’ in their respective camps in the twin cities over the split judgment of the Supreme Court in Panama Leaks case, which has left people scratching their heads on Thursday.
The people got confused when the leadership of both PML-N and PTI were distributing sweets among their followers in different parts of the cities.
The local leaders of PML-N, along with their followers, carried out rallies in Rawalpindi and Islamabad in which they had celebrated ‘victory’ following the court’s verdict announcing the formulation of a JIT to prove evidence in the case.
Two out of five judges ruled that PM should be disqualified, because he is not “sadiq” and “ameen” as required by the Constitution. The other three judges stated that further investigation is required and ordered for a JIT to further probe into the case.
While the PML-N was quick to tweet photos and statements of celebration after the verdict, there was relative silence in the PTI camp before Imran Khan conducted a press conference demanding Nawaz Sharif’s resignation.
Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the PTI should accept and respect the court’s decision. “Prime Minister Nawaz had always rejected negative politics,” she said.
However, through its official account, the PTI claimed that the news was being “favourable” for the party after half an hour of the verdict.
PTI’s chairman, Imran Khan three hours after the verdict had tweeted: “[I] want to congratulate the nation on this SC judgement, especially PTI workers who stood steadfast with me throughout.”
PTI lawyer Fawad Chaudhry hit out at the PML-N leaders celebrating the verdict, saying: “These people who are raising victory slogans have not even read the verdict yet. Once they see it they will realise what has happened to them.”
PTI leader Imran Ismail said that children of PM have been proven guilty in front of the court, which is a shame for the PML-N.
Nearly two hours after the verdict PTI’s Asad Umer sent out a series of tweets, saying: “All five judges reject the false stories presented by Nawaz Sharif. The two senior-most judges find him guilty and say he should be disqualified.” “The three other judges rejected the defence provided by Nawaz Sharif and ordered an investigation by a joint investigation team”; and “One year after Panama disclosures and 5 and a half months after supreme court hearing started not a single judge found Nawaz Sharif innocent.”
PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari also asked for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation during a press conference and wondered: “What are they distributing sweets for?”
“They have not won, the judges have questioned their integrity,” he said.
While speaking to a private television channel, Awami Muslim Leauge (AML) leader — and a party to the case — Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed seemed like he was riled up and said, “Just like Uzair Baloch, they are going to be presented in front of a JIT,” adding that “The courts have challenged all the money trails.”
Earlier, minutes after the verdict was announced, PML-N leader Khawaja Asif was all smiles outside the apex court, when he boasted to reporters that evidence was lacking to find the prime minister guilty.
Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal hailed it as a “historic victory”, while Railways Minister Saad Rafique said the verdict is in the PML-N’s favour.
PPP Senator Saeed Ghani asked in a tweet that is this judgment that will be remembered for 20yrs as claimed two judges of the bench earlier.
On the other hand, PPP leader Sharmila Farooqi tweeted to show respect towards the two judges that ruled against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif: “Such deep respect for Justice Khosa and Justice Gulzar.”
MQM leader Syed Ali Raza Abidi, on the other hand, seemed to agree with Imran Khan and tweeted: “After today’s decision PM should have the grace to step down himself until the JIT has completed the report for a final Panama case judgment.”
