After the most eagerly anticipated decision of the Panama Case was announced by the Supreme Court on Thursday, the two major parties, PML-N and PTI celebrated the verdict as they both believed the judgment was in their favour.
The metropolitan Lahore, which is considered the ‘political den’ of the ruling PML-N, witnessed jubilant scenes as workers of both the parties celebrated the decision. PLM-N’s local leadership had already decided to celebrate the decision as they were conveyed that court verdict would not come against the Prime Minister.
Prior to the announcement of the decision, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the PM as a “strongman” during his visit to Kasur. He was hopeful that PM will remain in office
Following the CM’s announcement that came soon after the court’s verdict, a plausible number of PML-N workers started gathering at camp offices located in different constituencies. They chanted slogans in favour of PM and CM while distributing sweets among each other.
According to insiders in PML-N, the local MPs had already held meetings with party’s local body representatives on the evening of Wednesday where they were given hope for a positive verdict. Local leadership also directed workers to buy sweets and launch motorbike rallies. A councillor, while talking to Pakistan Today, said that every representative of his union council was assigned by the constituency organiser to arrange twenty bikes with forty workers. In view of the leadership’s direction, party workers on motorbikes initially gathered at party offices while a large number of workers from PM’s own constituency NA-120 gathered at MPA Majid Zahoor’s office, from where they reached Lahore Press Club in the form of rallies.
Talking to Pakistan Today, MPA Majid Zahoor said that the court’s decision was in accordance with expectations of PMLN workers. He said that after the decision it is proved that Nawaz Sharif has succeeded and PTI has failed.
Talking about Joint Investigation Team (JIT) ordered by SC, he said that the matter would become more in favour of the premier once the decision of the JIT surfaces He further informed that workers will offer Namaz-e-Shukrana after Jumma prayer.
On the other hand, PTI leadership that was confident that the court would disqualify the PM also celebrated the decision stating that the verdict was, in fact, in favour of the PTI.
PTI supporters started gathering at the central office in Garden town to celebrate the decision with local leadership where they chanted slogans against Nawaz Sharif and danced on party songs.
PTI Lahore President Waleed Iqbal appreciated the court’s verdict and showed his satisfaction. Talking to Pakistan Today he said that after the constitution of JIT, it has become a ‘lose-lose’ situation for Nawaz Sharif because not a single member of SC bench gave a clean chit to the PM. “SC has rejected the money trail of Qatri letter provided by PM. Unless the JIT comes up with the satisfactory trail or with other evidence, that would go against him,” Waleed said.
Commenting on JIT, he said that JIT members will be responsible for answering the Supreme Court. “A resignation is the only safe passage for Nawaz Sharif, otherwise the situation will be shameful for him”, he added.
