A joke: Rohail Hyatt, Samina Peerzada, others condemn ECP's disqualification of Imran Khan

Friday's verdict sparked protests in various parts of the country

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified PTI chairman and deposed premier Imran Khan on Friday under Article 63(1)(p) while announcing its verdict in the Toshakhana (gift depository) reference.

A four-member bench of the ECP declared Imran's National Assembly seat vacant, declaring he had misled officials about the gifts received from foreign dignitaries during his tenure. The ruling added that because Imran had made “false statements,” he committed “offence of corrupt practices.”

Needless to say, the verdict sparked protests in various parts of the country. And now, celebrities are offering their two cents on the matter.

As Imran’s disqualification made the news, composer Rohail Hyatt immediately tweeted, “Desperate times bring desperate measures indeed. The fact that containers and tear-gas units were being moved into place for a few days clearly indicates a pre-planned verdict. Sad state of affairs.”

Desperate times bring desperate measures indeed. The fact that containers and tear-gas units were being moved into place for a few days clearly indicates a pre-planned verdict. Sad state of affairs.

#ٹوچہ_خانہ_صرف_بہانہ

— Rohail Hyatt 🇵🇰 (@rohailhyatt) October 21, 2022

Perplexed, Elan CEO Khadija Shah inquired, “Will Nawaz Shareed come back? Will Both IK and NS contest elections? Are rumours of talks between IK and NS to jointly contain the role of the army to be believed?”

Will NS will come back? Will Both IK and NS contest elections? Are rumours of talks between IK and NS to jointly contain the role of the army to be believed?

— KhadijahShah (@khadijah_shah) October 21, 2022

While veteran actor Samina Peerza remarked, “What a joke.”

What a joke

— Samina Peerzada (@SaminaSays) October 21, 2022

Friday also witnessed Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF’s) announcement to remove Pakistan from its global money laundering watchlist, leading representatives of the ruling party to celebrate.

Congratulations Pakistan! Six months jo IMF ko nahi manna sakay woh #FATF ki success ko apnay naam karnay ki nakaam koshish na karain. Sit down! Well done team IK 🫡🇵🇰❤️

— Haroon Shahid (@Haroon_5hahid) October 21, 2022

In response, singer Haroon Shahid tweeted, “Congratulations Pakistan! Now those who couldn’t convince IMF in six months, kindly don’t try to take credit for FATF. Sit down! Well done team IK.”

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