In his reaction to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) verdict suspending the sentence of the Sharif family in the Avenfield case, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Wednesday said that the landmark judgement would give relief to the Sharif family. “The decision comes as a relief for the Sharif family. After Begum Kulsoom Nawaz’s untimely death, the Sharif family was going through testing times.” He continued, “The PPP and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto fought for the independence of judiciary and were an integral part of this important movement. The PPP has also suffered at the hands of judicial verdicts but not once have we disrespected the courts.” He, however, added: “We cannot comment on the legal aspects of this verdict as courts are yet to decide on the appeals.” “We believe that our courts should not seem to be seen as part of any political victimisation. Rule of law and independence of judiciary are essential for any democratic system to thrive.” Published in Daily Times, September 20th 2018.