Imran’s party gets into celebratory mode

Party hopes all institution will follow the SC order

ISLAMABAD:

 The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) hailed the Supreme Court's verdict to release party chairman Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case as the party workers and supporters poured into the streets in all parts of the country to celebrate this “victory”.

The apex court on Thursday announced that the former prime minister's arrest was "illegal" and directed authorities to release him "immediately".

Soon after the announcement of the verdict, the PTI issued a statement welcoming the decision.

“The leadership of the PTI will decide the next political course of action after consultation. The PTI believes in peaceful political struggle. The PTI hopes that all institutions will strictly follow the orders of the Supreme Court and take care of the security of chairman Imran Khan,” it said.

Meanwhile, the supporters and party workers also championed the court's decision.

Usman Dar, who served as special assistant to the prime minister on youth affairs during the PTI’s rule, called on the party supporters to take to the streets to express solidarity and gratitude to the top court.

"All Pakistanis, wherever they are, should come out to express solidarity and gratitude to the Supreme Court in their respective areas," the PTI leader wrote on Twitter.

PTI leader Imran Ismail was also overjoyed at the SC's verdict. "Imran Khan released by the Supreme Court. Pakistan Zindabad," he wrote on the popular microblogging site.

Imran Khan's former wife, Jemima Goldsmith, also celebrated the SC's decision. Taking to Twitter, Goldsmith wrote: "Finally sense has prevailed."