PM hopes dissidents will return amid ‘growing public anger’

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday expressed hope that most of the dissenting lawmakers of the ruling PTI would return to their party as the vote of no-confidence tabled against him in the National Assembly nears.

“I can see the growing public anger over horse-trading… most of them will return to the party because they are watching this public reaction,” he said while referring to the yesterday’s incident wherein PTI activists stormed the Sindh House in Islamabad in protest against the dissident members of the ruling party, who were staying inside the building.

The premier made these remarks while addressing a groundbreaking ceremony of Rawalpindi Ring Road Project in Islamabad.

He also advised the party workers to hold peaceful demonstrations and avoid confrontation with the opposition parties, adding that it was necessary for the public to differentiate between good and bad.

“Some of our people got emotional and reached Sindh House. I tell them that peaceful protest is their legal right but don't resort to violence,” he remarked.

Also read: PTI workers storm Sindh House

“Is it rightful for those who have changed loyalties after accepting the dirty money!” the premier questioned.

“Time has changed, as there is no more room for ‘Changa Manga’ politics. On March 27, there will be a massive gathering of people to give a clear message of standing with the virtue by denouncing the vice,” he added.

He said the nation’s anger would keep on brewing with the opposition’s push for its no-confidence motion.

The prime minister accused the PPP-led Sindh of using public wealth to buy loyalties of PTI MNAs to pass the no-trust motion in the lower house of the parliament.

“It is necessary for the public to realise what is happening in the country. The entire nation is witnessing that illicit money is being used for buying and selling of votes.

“There is a market to purchase conscience of people through illegal pelf. The police force was summoned from the Sindh province to guard the Sindh House where illegal activities are happening,” he added.

Also read: PTI issues show-cause notices to dissident lawmakers

The prime minister claimed that “huge bags of money” had been doled out to purchase loyalties of people.

“The public should witness this kind of politics which had always pushed the country behind in terms of progress and prosperity,” he opined.

The premier said opposition leaders plundered the national wealth and sent it abroad. “No one among them ever felt ashamed.”

PM Imran said in UK and other Western countries lawmakers could not dare to sell their votes amid fear of public reaction.

(With input from APP)