ISLAMABAD: All opposition parties on Friday welcomed the much-awaited Supreme Court decision in Panama case, in which prime minister had been disqualified from holding any public office and also banned for life. Irrespective of their party affiliation, the opposition parties not only welcomed the SC decision but also claimed that was the beginning of a new era, which according to them would bring prosperity to the country. They all also showed their gratitude to the Supreme Court five judges and the Joint Investigation Team’s (JIT) six members who worked hard for probing the assets of the PM’s children. The opposition leaders termed the day “historic” which “will be remember in the political history of the country”. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said they would offer ‘prayer of thanks’ collectively following the apex court decision. “Today Pakistan has gotten rid of a corrupt prime minister. Basis of a new Pakistan has been laid today,” said PTI leader Jahangir Tareen. “A new chapter of history has been written today and decision came through the efforts of Imran Khan, PTI workers and supporters,” he added. “Pakistanis had lost hope for justice but Imran Khan was the lone person who did not lose hope.” The PTI has also decided to hold a rally at Islamabad’s Parade Ground on Sunday to observe Youm-e-Tashakkur [thanksgiving day]. Tareen said that Pakistan had been rid of a corrupt prime minister, stressing that Nawaz Sharif would have to adhere to the decision of the Supreme Court. PTI leader Asad Umar said that prayers would be organised to thank God over the much-awaited verdict. Calling upon President Mamnoon Hussain to summon the National Assembly (NA) session to elect a new leader of the House, Awami Muslim League (AML) Sheikh Rasheed said that Pakistan could develop in a far better way without Nawaz Sharif holding the Prime Minister’s Office. He said it had been proved Nawaz was not sadiq and ameen, according to articles 62 and 63 of the constitution. He alleged that the PML-N made several attempts to bribe the apex court’s judges and other officials. He lashed out at political leaders for being in opposition but supporting Nawaz Sharif without quoting anyone’s name. “I told Nawaz Sharif to step down immediately in wake of Panamagate probe if respect was dear to him but he preferred power over respect,” said Sheikh Rasheed. Taking a jibe at Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, he said the federal cabinet had already been dissolved, hence his “resignation becomes inconsequential”. Coming down hard on the Sharif family, he said that they presented forged documents and lied to the assembly. “Nawaz Sharif could not disclose his employment with UAE-based firm in the nomination papers for 2013 general elections,” he added. Soon after the SC judgement, the PM House issued a terse statement saying that Nawaz Sharif, despite having reservations over the SC verdict, had stepped down from his post as the premier. He said the battle was finally over. “The corruption charges have been proved against the PM. Now we should take the country forward. The verdict proved that the constitution and law are supreme.” Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq claimed that his party had emerged victorious after the SC decision. “I felicitate SC, members of JIT, uncorrupt journalists, lawyers and all political workers, as supremacy of law and constitution has been established,” he said. After the SC verdict, Senator Sehar Kamran (TI) congratulated the nation on the historic decision made by the SC. She said it was a defining moment for Pakistan as five judges of the SC bench unanimously disqualified Nawaz Sharif. She said it was heartening to see that state institutions had started to set a good precedence, which would benefit the country in the long run. She said the democratic process in Pakistan should prevail and the accountability process should strengthen, following this decision. She said that the decision would be remembered in the history of Pakistan. She paid tribute to the SC’s judges and the members of JIT whose resolve did not waiver despite constant blackmailing and pressure tactics. PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed his gratitude to the judges of the apex court and the Panamagate JIT members. “This historic decision has strengthened trust of people in the judiciary,” he said. “All eyes were set on the top court as people were hopeful that the apex court will do justice. The judiciary deserved appreciation for giving a momentous judgement and the JIT members for drawing up such a report despite extreme pressure from certain quarters.” He said that for the first time, those governing the country were being subjected to accountability. “Foundation for a new Pakistan has been laid with this judgement.” PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry said that the Sharif family had all options to defend themselves in the Panama Papers case but they failed to vindicate themselves despite getting a fair trial. Claiming that Nawaz Sharif got a fair trial, Fawad said the top court heard the case for 134 days, which he termed an exemplary trial. “Despite using all resources and availing all options, the Sharif family could not vindicate themselves,” he said. Published in Daily Times, July 29th , 2017.