Islamabad (February 21, 2018): A three-member bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar on Wednesday ruled that a disqualified individual cannot head a political party.
The decision by the three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar is considered another blow to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) as Nawaz Sharif will no longer remain the party’s president. As a result of the verdict, all decisions taken by Nawaz Sharif as PML-N’s president stand null and void.
Commenting on recent development Former President Asif Ali Zardari has said that everyone has to respect the decision of apex court. He said that it would be destrous, if Nawaz opt to agitate on it.
Zardari said that conflict between state institution could jeopardize the democracy. He advised Nawaz to accept the decision and avoid conflict. 
Pakistan People Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, reacting to the apex court’s verdict, said the PML-N had changed the law for one person.
Further criticising the incumbent government, he said that legislation should not be done in the manner in which it was changed by the PML-N.
He added that the ruling party chose a path of confrontation with the judiciary and Nawaz’s campaign was dangerous for democracy in Pakistan.
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah said that the trend of challenging decisions taken by the Parliament to the court was introduced by Nawaz.
“There were PCO judges in our tenure…Nawaz supported them,” he added.
Regarding the decision, Shah said the verdict has been given by the country’s apex court and there will be chaos in the country if the decision is not accepted.
Politicians should tread carefully, he added.
Commenting on the verdict’s outcome on the Senate elections, the opposition leader said it remains to be seen whether Senate tickets given to its candidates are declared null and void or their nomination
The nomination papers were signed by Nawaz, Shah said.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf spokesman Fawad Chaudhry termed the verdict ‘historic’.
“We pay tribute to the Supreme Court,” he said.
The decision has once again gave Nawaz the “disqualification” label and has set an important precedent, Fawad said.
The PTI leader said that electing a dishonest and disqualified person as party head was a joke with the the law and Constitution.
PML-N should accept the decision instead of planning something foul, Fawad said.
Awami Muslim League Chief Sheikh Rasheed said the verdict in the Elections Act 2017 case is bigger than the Panama Papers verdict.
Rasheed added that in light of Nawaz’s disqualification as PML-N president, Lodhran’s election can be challenged and it remains to be seen “ who will be Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s replacement”.
“Nawaz Sharif’s politics has come to end now,” claimed the AML chief.
Lawyer Farogh Naseem said that according to points in the verdict being announced by the media, the apex court has not said anything regarding Senate elections and whether they will be delayed.
When asked if the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will have the right to decide on Senate elections, Naseem said the ECP doesn’t have any right to delay elections.
It remains to be seen whether their party tickets are cancelled or the candidates withdraw [from elections], he added.
“They shouldn’t have elected disqualified person,” the lawyer said when asked what lies ahead for the ruling party.
Asked whether Lodhran by-election will also stand null and void, he said he can’t comment on it before reading the judgment.
‘Don’t think SC will disenfranchise an entire province’.
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