Islamabad/Lahore:
Learning it as a “positive step”, the Federal Government hosted on Tuesday the decision of a court of first instance to condemn several PTI leaders, including the leader of the Punjab Assembly of the opposition Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachaha in cases of disturbances on May 9.
“Today, Sargodha ATC issued an order and welcomed it … I think it is a very positive step since justice has been confirmed,” said Minister of State and Justice on Monday, Aqeel Malik while aiming at a press conference in Islamabad.
He said that the verdict “meets all justice requirements” and followed due process since all trial procedures were legally carried out. “The announced decision agrees with the law and the Constitution,” said Malik.
“When you take the law in your own hand, whether you are a MNA or MPA or opposition leader … the [status] It doesn’t matter, since the law is the same for everyone and will enter into force. “
Responding to the verdict, Bhache wrote in X that he will not leave “the leader of Umat-E-Muslima and son of Mianwali, Prime Minister Imran Khan”, whatever happens.
Other PTI leaders also condemned verdicts as a mockery of justice.
The opposition vice president in the Punjab Assembly, Muhammad Moeen UD Din Riaz Qureshi, described the ATC verdicts as a “black day for democracy,” he said that legislators, including Bhachar of the largest province, were illegally sentenced that they are based on manufactured and witnesses.
“All children in Pakistan know well about the destiny of these cases. The public is fully aware of the court’s conduct. The PTI will challenge the ATC decision in the Court of Appeals. Bhachaha was the opposition leader and will continue to be the opposition leader,” he said.
PTI’s main whip at the Punjab Assembly, Rana Shahbaz Ahmad, said such verdicts will not force them to bow, since they defended a cause and the future of the nation.
“If such decisions persist, there is no doubt that 80% of PTI legislators will be sentenced, despite not having a link with FIR’s crimes,” he said.
He demanded that the government constitute a committee to review the counterfeit cases registered in PUNJAB against leaders, workers and supporters of PTI.
Another legislator Waqas Maan criticized the verdict of the ATC, calling him no less than a “funeral of justice.” He warned the government not to approach the opposition, reminding him that he could face a similar situation in the future.