In a twist of events, which were somewhat speculatively expected, father-daughter duo Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz have been released from Adiala Jail. The Islamabad High Court suspended the years-long sentences a day ago – sentences that were awarded to Nawaz and Maryam merely months before the General Elections 2018. After just 66 days in jail, the Sharif’s are back in Lahore.
As per usual Twitterati could not deal. Here are a few thought-provoking responses from the very much divided public.
Let’s just get the highly plausible theory out of the way first.
So what does the suspension of the jail sentence against former #Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif mean? That the ‘powers that be’ only wanted him in jail to prevent him from contesting the July 25 general election and not to permanently bar him from politics? #NawazSharif
— Mehree n Zahra-Malik (@mehreenzahra) September 19, 2018
This is being reiterated all over social media. The jail sentences and the constant delay in hearing the Sharif’s appeal for bail is certainly something that raises concern over the sudden release of Maryam and Nawaz from jail. And by extension makes us consider the initial arrest as well.
Hmm, the conspiracy of possible external pressure? We won’t be surprised considering premier Imran Khan is making all sorts of U-turns nowadays under pressure.
The hidden deal has been badly exposed today. Was #PMImranKhan in such a desperate need to release the corrupt #NawazSharif on bail on most serious charges in history of #Pakistan ? For how much? How much did #Saudis give him in return? @ImranKhanPTI
— Shahid Mursaleen (@ShahidMursaleen) September 19, 2018
The original ruling by Judge Bashir is also under fire, which is being used to explain the ‘evitability’ of the release.
IHC judgement suspending Accountability Court sentence to Nawaz, Maryam and Capt Safdar not surprising. Judge Bashir judgement was very weak as was prosecution arguments. Much needed boost for PMLN #NawazSharif #NAB
— Fahd Husain (@Fahdhusain) September 19, 2018
My dear anchors & tajziyakars: explaining suspension of Sharifs sentence solely due to NAB incompetence is wrong. In Accountability Court, same NAB, same arguments, same evidence & conviction. In IHC same NAB, same arguments & bail. Only difference: Judges #NawazSharif
— Fahd Husain (@Fahdhusain) September 19, 2018
A pressing concern for sure. Imran Khan better watch out for the ‘donkey’s’ (seriously though, not cool Mr. Khan)
Supporters & voters flocking #nawazsharif & #MaryamNawaz cars as they head on home. Will PTI finally recognise every Pakistanis basic right, of right of Association or still brand these people as Zinda Lashain or donkeys?! #Pakistan
— Meher Bokhari (@meherbokhari) September 19, 2018
All we can say about this tweet below is: Damn!
The best conspiracy theory on #Avenfield so far: #NawazSharif gave 8 billion dollars in reparations to get off the hook … but he handed the money to #Saudi Arabia, which in turn, will give it to #Pakistan for bailout
کیا زرخیز دماغ ہیں ظالموں کے— Mohammad Taqi (@mazdaki) September 19, 2018
And finally, this power-packed tweet. Kuch ziadah food for though nahi hogya? (In all seriousness, it raises some serious points though)
#NawazSharif & #MaryamNawaz were put behind bars, #PPP, #Pashtun leaders pushed against the wall & denied level playing field, #ECP outsourced powers to armed forces to ensure open field for #TalibanKhan in #GeneralsSelection2018. Attacked democracy to install sandbag #PuppetPM
— Bushra Gohar (@BushraGohar) September 19, 2018
Which tweet do you agree with most in this latest political debacle in Pakistan?