PTI warned against ECP protests

Interior minister says nobody will be allowed to hold demo in Red Zone

ISLAMABAD:

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Wednesday warned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of consequences for its planned protest in front of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) office located in the Federal Capital’s Red Zone.

Addressing a press conference along with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, the minister said nobody will be allowed to hold a protest in the Red Zone and action will be taken as per law if anyone tried to enter the area forcefully.

He advised the PTI to instead protest either in H-9 area or F-9 Park in line with the directives of the higher judiciary.

“Every political party has right to hold a protest in a peaceful manner,” he added. The government would facilitate and provide full security to the PTI workers if they held their protest at the designated places, he assured.

He claimed that they had the reports of a possible attack on the ECP by the PTI workers, who had the intention to hold a violent protest in the Red Zone.

The interior minister referred to PTI’s “Azadi March” in May, he alleged that the party had brought armed activists and ministers with them. “If this time they undertake any adventure, they will be dealt with force,” he warned.

Read Govt mulls imposing ban on PTI after ECP verdict

In a tweet, he also said that there were apprehensions of “PTI miscreants attacking ECP”, hence a ban had been imposed on protests in the Red Zone.

On Monday, PTI chairman Imran Khan had called on supporters to rally outside the electoral body’s headquarters to demand Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja’s resignation on Thursday (today).

Cabinet to decide action against Imran

Sanaullah lashed out at Imran Khan and said the ECP’s verdict had proved that he was a “foreign agent” and PTI a “foreign-aided political party”.

“He took money to pollute Pakistan’s politics and infused hatred in it,” he said, vowing that the federal cabinet would take a decision against him on Thursday (today).

“We are analysing the jurisdiction of the departments, he said, adding that the cabinet will proceed once the top court upholds the reference sent against the PTI.

He also pointed out that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) or the police also have jurisdiction, they will proceed accordingly.

“Work is being done on that. Requisite time will be taken to decide on this case,” he added.