Twitter reacts to #AvenfieldReference

KARACHI: In a landmark verdict, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has been sentenced to 10-year imprisonment by the accountability court in the Avenfield reference case. His daughter, Maryam Nawaz, and son-in-law, Capt Safdar, have also been sentenced to seven years and one year, respectively. Nawaz was convicted under Section 9(a)(5) of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ordinance, while Maryam violated Section 9(a)(12). As a result, there Avenfield properties will be confiscated, as per orders of the court, and the duo will be deemed ineligible from contesting the upcoming elections.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to the news:

1. Some considered this verdict a win for Pakistan

All the criticism on Imran Khan aside, I don’t fucking care. He promised us that he’ll make Nawaz and family pay for their crimes and he bloody well delivered it!
#AvenfieldReference

— Laraib Mehtab (@laraibmufc) July 6, 2018

Dear World,
Yes.. Believe it.
This is Pakistan ❤
A corrupt Prime Minister was disqualified, and has just been sentenced to 10 yrs in prison with a fine and an order to confiscate his assets.
We are on a rise and so ready to welcome our new PM. Imran Khan 💕#AvenfieldReference

— T💫 🇧🇫 (@Cheerrryy_) July 6, 2018

Americans have #4thOfJuly
We also now have one on #6thOfJuly
Happy Independence from corruption day#AvenfieldReference

— Rizwan Yahya (@RizwanYahya) July 6, 2018

2. There were endless jokes and memes about it, because humour is how Pakistanis cope

Released today😂😂#AvenfieldReference pic.twitter.com/4X33UIajVD

— Adnan Not Ada-Nan (@idanikhan) July 6, 2018

General Musharraf and General Kayani laughing in their penthouses some where in Dubai and Australia after #AvenfieldReference verdict.

— Salman Sikandar (@SALSIKandar) July 6, 2018

Man of the tournament😍#AvenfieldReference pic.twitter.com/mddjQCYmPD

— Abdul Manan (@_AbdulManan99) July 6, 2018

Let us hope, Nawaz Sharif, #MaryamNawaz and PMLN have finally gotten the answer to your rhetoric of "Mujhe Kyun Nikala". #AvenfieldReference

— AM Shahid Latif (Retd) (@AMShahidLatif) July 6, 2018

Mamnoon Hussain Right now 😃😃😃#AvenFieldReference pic.twitter.com/Juz5tfB51n

— Mahnöör 👿 (@SabSeCute) July 6, 2018

"Kaisa mehsoos kar rahe hain is waqt?"

"Lagta hai dil ke underpass mein double dekker bus phass gayi hai" pic.twitter.com/WfbvwhqlqZ

— Gal Galoch (@antifatwa) July 6, 2018

3. Some called out the timing of the verdict

We are all for accountability but this for sure is pre-poll rigging. Widespread corruption is a systemic issue, which can never be addressed through selective accountability. The entire state apparatus needs to be democratized. #NawazSharif #MaryamNawaz #AvenfieldReference

— Ismat Raza Shahjahan (@ismatshahjehan) July 6, 2018

A culmination of fair justice served or politicized selective justice? Timing alone suggests the answer. #AvenfieldReference #NawazSharif

— Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) July 6, 2018

Accountability is fabulous.

But I'll say what I've said before.
Everyone must be held accountable: tycoons, govt officials, faujis, judges, celebrities.

Anyone who's a tax evader. Anyone who amasses wealth through illegal means.
Anyone who robs national treasury.
Sab ka hisaab

— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) July 6, 2018

4. While others expressed grief

Those celebrating the NAB verdict today will mourn this day in due course of time #AvenfieldReference Enter the new face of 8th Amendment

— Aamer Ahmed Khan (@Aak0) July 6, 2018