Legal community, local politicians, members of the civil society and general public Thursday hailed the Supreme Court verdict in contempt of court case against Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani. They called upon the premier to immediately step down from his office.

District Bar Association (DBA), Islamabad Bar Association (IBA) and High Court Bar Association (HCBA), Rawalpindi Bench lawyers distributed sweets after the apex court verdict. As soon as the Supreme Court gave its ruling, the lawyers fraternity raised slogans in favour of free and fair judiciary.

District Bar Association (DBA) President Sajid Ilyas Bhatti hailed apex court decision saying legal fraternity and public fully supports the Supreme Court. “Supreme Court has given an unprecedented decision against a sitting prime minister, which is historical moment,” he said.

Awami Muslim League (AML) Chairman Shaikh Rashid Ahmed said today judiciary proved that it is absolutely free, fair and transparent.

District Bar Association (DBA) Joint Secretary Abdul Basit Chaudhry said that the prime minister should resign immediately after the Supreme Court decision. How a convicted prime minister could continue his seat in the country, he questioned.

Former director general ISI General (r) Hameed Gull strongly appreciated the decision saying that apex court should disqualify prime minister.

He said: “We would start long march against corrupt sitting government. We fully support Supreme Court in taking decisions against corruption.”