Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders expressed deep disappointment with Supreme Court’s ruling on vote recount in three National Assembly constituencies, calling it “Murder of justice.” Supreme Court, earlier in day, overturned Lahore High Court’s decision that nullified vote recount in three National Assembly constituencies where Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidates had secured victories.

Three-member bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, delivered reserved verdict with 2-1 majority, ruling in favour of PML-N leaders who had filed appeals.

However, Justice Aqeel Abbasi of Supreme Court dissented from majority decision, opposing ruling in favour of PML-N candidates Azhar Qayyum Nahra, Abdul Rehman Kanju and Zulfikar Ahmed.

Addressing press conference, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, alongside Omar Ayub, Raoof Hasan and Shibli Faraz, strongly criticised verdict.

“We are extremely disappointed with Supreme Court’s ruling. This is nothing short of murder of justice. Our seats have been handed over to another political party with stroke of pen,” Gohar said. He added that PTI has been subjected to severe injustice, alleging that attempts were made to strip party of its symbol to prevent them from contesting the elections. “But every time, we emerged victorious,” Gohar stated.

Gohar emphasised that role of Election Commission of Pakistan is to conduct free and fair elections in country. “If election commission fails in this duty, it must be held accountable,” he asserted.

Senate Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz criticised legitimacy of those declared victorious in February 8 elections, saying, “According to Form 47, these individuals have no standing. Public has rejected them.” Faraz accused authorities of delaying results and Lahore High Court of stalling judges’ appointments, claiming it was because they couldn’t get judges of their choice.

Faraz criticised the ruling coalition’s actions in Parliament. “Everyone knows purpose behind the bills they brought to Parliament. We have never disrespected any institution, be it Parliament or Supreme Court, but these people have even used Senate floor for their interests,” he said.