PML-N welcomes verdict as PTI gives guarded response

Information minister says NAB, court matters have nothing to do with govt

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) decision to suspend the sentences of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and her husband Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar in the Avenfield flats case on Wednesday stirred a mixed reaction in the country's political circles.

In their reaction, politicians called for respecting the court verdict and asked the former ruling family to fully explore legal options to seek remedy.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said the government respected the judiciary and its decisions, and it would implement every court decision.

In a statement, he said the matters of courts and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had nothing to do with the government. He called NAB an autonomous institution having the authority to perform its functions according to law.



"The government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) believes in strengthening the institutions," he said, adding that on the death of former first lady Kulsoom Nawaz, the government provided facilities to the accused in the light of Islamic and moral traditions.

The minister said it was the wish and interest of people of Pakistan that corruption was eradicated from the country. "The government is a trustee of the wishes of the people and will continue to fulfil its responsibilities to bring justice to those who looted the national wealth," he added.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, in his reaction to the verdict, said, "The decision comes as a relief for the Sharif family. After Begum Kulsoom Nawaz's untimely death, the Sharif family was going through testing times."

He added, "The PPP and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto fought for the independence of judiciary and were an integral part of this important movement. The PPP has also suffered at the hands of judicial verdicts but not once have we disrespected the courts."

Bilawal, however, said he could not comment on the legal aspects of the verdict as "courts are yet to decide on the appeals." He added, "We believe that our courts should not seem to be seen as part of any political victimisation. Rule of law and independence of judiciary are essential for any democratic system to thrive."

Senior PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira underscored the need for everyone to accept the court verdict and give respect to state institutions.

"When the Avenfield verdict first came out, it was expected that if there is an appeal in the case, the Sharif family might be set free," said Kaira. "The decision of the IHC is not unexpected as Nawaz Sharif has been getting similar relief in the past. However, the exact situation will unfold once the detailed verdict comes out," he added.

In her reaction, PPP's Central Information Secretary Nafeesa Shah tweeted, "Am not sure whether today's court order on suspending Panama punishment is about law or politics, but the system has always bailed the #Sharifs out. Of course, this order once again raises many questions on accountability laws and processes in Pakistan."



Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Zartaj Gul Wazir said even though Sharif and his daughter had been released from Adiala Jail, "they cannot leave the country as their names are on the ECL".

She tweeted, "The IHC decision would be challenged and will get overturned. Just bear with the judicial system for a bit more as the corrupt can't stay out of Adiala for long."

The PML N leaders, on the other hand, welcomed the decision. They came out on the roads and distributed sweets and expressed gratitude on the suspension of the sentence.

"It is a victory of the truth," PML-N MNA Khehal Das Kohistani said while speaking to the media outside the Karachi Press Club, adding that Sharif had set a precedent in Pakistan's history while appearing dozens of time before NAB and other courts.

President PML-N Sindh Shah Muhammad Shah denied any deal had been struck. "We are ready to face the challenges," he said.
Other than Karachi, PML-N workers and leaders also organised rallies in Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas and Khairpur.