PTI heaps praise on SC, terms verdict victory of public mandate | The Express Tribune

As the Supreme Court declared Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz’s election as null and void, PTI leaders including former prime minister Imran Khan heaped praise on the apex court judges for upholding the Constitution against “all threats” and termed the verdict a victory of public mandate.

In a tweet from his official handle, PTI Chairman Imran on Tuesday appreciated the SC judges for standing firm and upholding the Constitution and law “against all manner of threats & abuse”.

He also thanked the incoming chief minister Pervaiz Elahi’s counsel Barrister Ali Zafar and his team for winning the legal battle against the ruling alliance.

“I want to thank Barrister Ali Zafar & his team. I want to thank the people of Punjab for coming out in unprecedented numbers in by-elections against rigging,” he added.

Thanking the Almighty, Imran said tomorrow evening his party will offer thanks to Allah and celebrate with all the people of Pakistan “who have stood by us in our campaign for Haqeeqi Azadi, coming out in massive numbers to show support”.

He also shared a Quranic verse.

Speaking outside the Supreme Court, PTI Vice Chaimran Shah Mahmood Qureshi hailed the apex court verdict saying, “I pay tribute to the judges for tolerating unruly behaviour of the government ministers”.

He said the verdict is the victory of the public mandate and Constitution. “People rejected the imported government and this is a victory of public mandate and Constitution.”

He also lashed out at the deputy speaker, Dost Mohammad Mazari, who belongs to PTI, saying he played a “shameful role” in the chief minister’s election.

“[Prime Minister] Shehbaz Shairf should now dissolve assemblies and call early elections which is the only solution now.”

Also read: SC declares Hamza’s election null and void, directs Elahi to take oath tonight

Speaking on the occasion, PTI leader Asad Umar while responding to the coalition partners’ reservations over the three-member apex court bench said the same judges were also part of the bench which ruled against PTI-led government in April this year.

“Congratulations to the people of Pakistan on this great victory of democracy under the leadership of Imran Khan,” said PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry.

In a tweet, he wrote that CM Hamza should have resigned after his party suffered defeat in recently-held Punjab by-elections in which PTI achieved a landslide victory, securing majority in the provincial legislature.

“But he resorted to ‘unprincipled politics’. Today, the Supreme Court upheld the Constitution.”

Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid, who is a close confidant of ex-PM Imran, said the top court has announced the ‘historic decision’ which he said dealt blow to the “gang of conspirators”.

“Those who ‘attacked’ Supreme Court faced defeat… they used foul language against courts and hatched conspiracies while sitting in the PM House,” Rashid said in a video statement.

“All credit goes to Imran Khan as he stood firm against them [ruling alliance] and due to his efforts PTI was able to win 15 out of 20 seats in the Punjab by-elections,” he added.

He also congratulated the newly-elected chief minister Pervaiz Elahi, saying the “truth will soon prevail at the Centre as well”.

Other PTI leaders also echoed the same sentiments, hailing the apex court verdict on the deputy speaker’s controversial ruling.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, the party also called in an important consultation meeting at Imran Khan’s Bani Gala residence in Islamabad.

The PTI workers and supporters also gathered in large numbers at Lahore’s Liberty Chowk to celebrate the victory.

Same scenes were witnessed in Sialkot.

Party supporters also gathered outside Insaf House in Karachi to celebrate.

Former deputy speaker National Assembly Qasim Suri celebrated his party’s judicial victory in Quetta in style.