PML-N workers break into the bhangra and kiss pictures of their beloved party chief. PHOTO: EXPRESS & NNI
A large number of party activists thronged offices and houses of PML-N leaders and parliamentarians since early in the morning. They were all hopeful that the SC would decide the case in their favour.
The city had been a festival of colours since Wednesday as PML-N and the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf displayed banners and posters on various roads. Ruling party loyalists were so charged up that they even vowed to shed their own blood for their leadership, if needed.
Uncertainty dominated the air and even the PTI has planned celebrations ahead of the verdict. They offered special prayers for the outcome to be of their liking.
PML-N workers started their celebrations as news spread of the SC’s decision to form a joint investigation team. The PM was no longer at any immediate risk of being deposed and jubilant party workers broke out into the bhangra on the streets amid the sounds of firecrackers.
A large number of the PML-N workers gathered at PTI stronghold Lalak Jaan Chowk, Faisal Chowk in front of the provincial assembly, Chief Minister Secretariat, Regal Chowk, Liberty Chowk, Town Hall and other areas. Ruling party activists also took out rallies on Mall Road, Shadman Market, Mohni Road, Iqbal Town and other areas. Some offered nawafil for the decision.
Meanwhile, PTI workers were also seen celebrating the apex court decision and distributed sweets among each other.
PTI Punjab Central President Abdul Aleem Khan said the apex court had announced a historic verdict against “the corrupt prime minister”. He said the whole nation saluted the courage of the judiciary.
Aleem said it would be shameful for the premier and his family to appear before the Federal Investigation Agency’s director in a corruption case. “Now the premier has to choose between resignation and disgrace over the next 60 days as the investigation team will certainly endorse the court’s decision.”
He said PML-N workers were celebrating the court’s verdict, but were unaware that a “sword was still hanging over the head of the premier’s family”.
Security
City police made special arrangements to deal with any untoward incident as both the PTI and PML-N planned strong reactions to the verdict.
Senior Capital City Police officials met at Qila Gujjar Singh Police Lines on Wednesday night to chalk out a strategy to tackle any potential security situation, such as clashes between PTI and PML-N workers. The meeting was attended by the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) as well as the DIGs of security, operations and investigation. Also present were divisional SPs, DSPs and SHOs.
It was decided in the meeting that extra police would be deployed at all government buildings and important installations of the city. As many as 12,000 cops were on duty.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 21st, 2017.
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