Faith in judiciary restored: Celebrities hail SC verdict

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari’s ruling on the election of Punjab chief minister, paving the way for PTI’s Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi to ascend to the throne in the country’s political heartland.

In the conclusion to a hearing that has gripped the country for the past four days, a three-member bench, comprising of Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar, declared PML-N’s Hamza Shehbaz’s election null and void. By virtue of the order, Shehbaz lost his status of the “trustee” chief minister. All the advisers and assistants appointed by Shehbaz were also ordered to be relieved of their duties.

Now, celebrities are expressing their joy over the much-awaited declaration. While some joined in the meme-fest to take a jibe at Shehbaz, others put up congratulatory messages for Elahi and Pakistanis who had been rallying behind him and the ousted PM Imran Khan.

Actor Osman Khalid Butt shared snippets of the song Elahi from Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani to partake in the celebration.

Chupke Chupke actor and comedian Arsalan Naseer had a suggestion for Shehbaz. “Hamza bhai, tension ki koi baat nae hai. Office ko andar se kundi lagaden. (No need to fret, brother. Just lock the office doors from the inside). In another rather hilarious tweet he asked, “Hamza Shehbaz bro, since you don’t need the sherwani anymore, can I have it? Might need it to a valima function.”

Ye Dil Mera actor Adnan Siddiqui chimed in, “Hail democracy! People’s faith has been restored. Hoping it’s upheld by the elected leaders.”

Actor Muneeb Butt held that Deputy Speaker Mazari “should be arrested now for breaking constitution!” In another tweet, he said it’s “time to celebrate.”

Teefa in Trouble star Maya Ali declared in an Insta Story that the “wait was worth it.” She added, “This is a great decision for Pakistan. [I] couldn’t be [happier].”

Music producer Rohail Hyatt tweeted in a similar vein, reminding his followers that good things come to those who wait. “Good things come to those who have patience. It’s such an important part of our internal growth to understand what patience truly is. It is, after all, an attribute of God. ‘As-Sabur’. I pray our country observes and learns how one’s patience pays off even in times of desperation.”

Morning show host Shaista Lodhi shared a photo of herself ahead of a TV airing the breaking news. “Justice is served,” she wrote alongside it.

While congratulating his followers, writer Khalilur Rehman Qamar dubbed the verdict “death of pride at the hands of the jurisdiction.” While veteran actor Iffat Omar, who’s aired her reservations against PTI and Imran Khan quite a few times, wasn’t too thrilled. “All the hard work and money invested in Project Imran can never be flushed out,” she claimed.

Earlier today, President Dr Arif Alvi administered the oath to CM-designate Elahi at Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad. Taking to office today, Elahi will take on his duties as the new Punjab CM. He had secured 186 votes against the 179 of his opponent, PML-N’s Hamza Shehbaz, in the July 22 run-off poll for the coveted office.

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