Breath of fresh air: PTI hails SC order

Says judgment proves that persistence pays off

ISLAMABAD:

PTI leaders on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to grant bail to former prime minister Imran Khan in eight May 9 cases, terming it a milestone in the PTI's struggle for justice. They vowed to continue their political and legal fight within the constitutional framework.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Salman Akram Raja said the judgment had proved that persistence pays off and that it was a step towards judicial independence.

"This is an important milestone, but we will continue our struggle. The public has now realized that the May 9 case was based on a false narrative," he said.

He added that the party was united behind its leadership and any parliamentary decisions, including the appointment of opposition leaders, would be made as directed by the PTI founder.

Latif Khosa described the ruling as "a breath of fresh air after a long time."

He said Article 25 of the Constitution clearly guaranteed equality before law, and the Supreme Court had rightly upheld constitutional supremacy. He argued that only one case could be pursued on the basis of May 9, as the same testimonies could not be used repeatedly.

Khosa said in the Al-Qadir Trust case, the PTI founder had derived no personal benefit.

He also vowed that the PTI would continue its struggle to free political prisoners, recalling that "we even ousted military dictator General Pervez Musharraf from power".

Expressing grief over recent events in Karachi and pledging full support to the flood-hit communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa(K-P), he said the party remained committed to public service.

Amir Dogar thanked the Supreme Court for giving a verdict "based on facts," calling it a message to forces that had "concocted a false May 9 narrative." He said the ruling marked "a day of victory for the PTI" and the burial of fabricated narratives.

Salman Akram Raja reiterated that PTI would challenge any adverse decisions in higher courts.

"Those who stole the elections should seek forgiveness, not us—we only ask forgiveness from God," he stated. He said the party's focus remained on securing legal relief for its leaders, adding that "our companions like Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar will return".