If you’re living in Pakistan and don’t know what has escalated in the past 24 hours, what rock are you even living under? Back in 2017, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed several cases against the Sharif family. These cases were in reference to his Avenfield Properties located in London that were disclosed in the Panama Papers. As a result of this, an invasive and in-depth interrogation was instigated that led to the release of what is being called a “historic verdict” on July 6th, 2018.
As a result of the above, Nawaz Sharif, the now entirely debilitated former Prime Minister has been sentenced to 10 years in prison with a £8 million fine. Joining the cue is his notorious-on-Twitter daughter, Maryam Nawaz, who is sentenced to 7 years with a hefty £2 million fine.
Needless to say, this decision ignited several hashtags and twitter was a predominant Avenfield Reference battlefield. Several individuals voiced their faith being restored in the justice system, whereas others doubted the verdict. Others commended Imran Khan calling this PTI’s personal victory.
Among the chaos are the verdicts and two cents shared by the politicians and celebrities. Here is what they had to say about this case:
#AvenfieldReference 18 days to go till “Wazir-e-Azam Pakistan Imran Khan” ????
— Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) July 7, 2018
Nawaz Sharif acquitted under NAB ORD 9-a(iv) convicted under 9-a(v) Does it mean NS got clean chit from corruption or is he still charged under corruption ? Here’s a legal point of view : #AvenfieldReference #NawazSharif #MaryamNawaz pic.twitter.com/hfh9T8pBSr
— Gharidah Farooqi (@GFarooqi) July 7, 2018
As you sow so shall you reap!
Today Nawaz Sharif must be regretting the plot to overthrow SMBB govt. He must be conscience-stricken for the
political victimization and fake cases against the brave Shaheed Benazir Bhutto which she faced courageously!#AvenfieldReference pic.twitter.com/zTr02YzwV7— Naz Baloch (@NazBaloch_) July 6, 2018
Michael, we are really sorry that you DC folks lost a stooge today. Pakistan will be restrained no more. The next leadership is going to look you in the eye – not at your feet. That’s what it is about. #AvenfieldReference https://t.co/J86YG9wsiS
— Pakistan Defence (@defencedotpk) July 6, 2018
Friday becomes the day for historic judgements in Pakistan.#ARYStories #AvenfieldReference pic.twitter.com/W8J3faFCrK
— ARY News (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) July 6, 2018
Imran Khan at the moment #AvenfieldReference #Avenfieldverdict pic.twitter.com/m5g308w4HI
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) July 6, 2018
Today marks the beginning of greater days!!! #NayaPakistan Thankyou @ImranKhanPTI you made this happen!!!! #AbSirfImranKhan justice served right, 10 years in jail for the ex prime minister!!! ????????????????????????❤️
— MAWRA HOCANE (@MawraHocane) July 6, 2018
Mubarak Pakistan !! ???????? We are only heading towards better if we are accounting the corrupt and punishing them ! #NayaPakistan #PakistanZindabad
— URWA HOCANE (@VJURWA) July 6, 2018
You could be on either side, but Pakistan well-done ! At least we are asking questions, let me correct myself, thank you @ImranKhanPTI for teaching us as a nation, to ask questions! #AbSirfImranKhan #NayaPakistan
— Farhan Saeed (@farhan_saeed) July 6, 2018
History in the making.
10 years for Nawaz, 7 for Maryam and 1 year for that anti-Ahmedi venom spewing vermin Safdar.— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) July 6, 2018
Maryam Nawaz should come back & face it. Can she do what BB did?
— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) July 6, 2018
PakistanZindabad.
— Samina Peerzada (@SaminaSays) July 6, 2018
Whoa: Pakistan ex-PM Nawaz Sharif given 10-year jail term https://t.co/kUc2Ve6NhP
— Jeremy McLellan (@JeremyMcLellan) July 6, 2018
The entire nation has expressed views in favor of and against the verdict. Despite the tone of these views, it is safe to say that the ruling has been much to everyone’s surprise. Nonetheless, it leaves to question why several others with similar track records are not being made to meet similar fates.
