ISLAMABAD: While calling a nationwide protest against police action in Sialkot,Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Saturday said that he will go to Sialkot today, there should not be any doubt, what ‘imported’ government did in Sialkot against party leadership and workers is outrageous but not unexpected.
Imran Khan, in a series of tweets lambasted the government and said, “This bunch of criminals out on bail and their convict mafia boss in London have always used fascist tactics against opponents”.
He further said, “when they are in power – storming of SC, Model Town murders, bribing judges, Nawaz Sharif trying to declare himself Amir ul Momineen. They use and abuse democracy when in opposition and totally destroy all democratic norms when in power. But people have now risen against them”.
“Our government never stopped any of their jalsas (rallies) and sit-ins because we are committed to democracy. I will be in Sialkot today & I am calling on all our people to come out and protest in their areas/cities after Isha prayers against this fascist imported government.”
It merits mention that PTI has announced to change venue of public rally to VIP ground after police crackdown on party workers and arrest of Usman Dar.
PTI Punjab President Shafqat Mahmood, while addressing a press conference with other party leaders, said that their peaceful party workers were tortured by police and claimed that police action was launched on direction of Khawaja Asif.
The former minister strongly condemned arrests of PTI leaders and workers and demanded their immediate release and reiterated that rally will be held in the city no matter what.
The PTI leader said that they want to exercise their rights in a democratic manner and asked government to come to senses. He added that government is bent on using force and warned that government will be responsible if something untoward happens.
Earlier, police arrested PTI leader Usman Dar and after a scuffle broke out between PTI workers and police at the venue of PTI chief Imran Khan’s public meeting.
Police entered the venue of PTI public meeting claiming that the district administration had not allowed the party to hold public meeting at CTI Ground in Sialkot.
Upon resistance by PTI workers, police resorted to tear gas shelling and baton-charge in an effort to disperse PTI workers.
