Govt says prepared to deal with ‘psychotic’

Sana says use of drone technology was also being considered against the PTI marchers

ISLAMABAD:

Taking a dig at PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Thursday said the government was ready to deal with him and his supporters of Haqiqi Azadi (real freedom) movement when they converge on the federal capital and termed the former premier a “psychotic”.

“Imran Khan is making preparations whereas we have made [all] the preparations,” the interior minister said in a statement.

Sanaullah’s statement came at a time when the PTI chief issued him a warning saying the interior minister would not be able to find a place to hide in Islamabad when his supporters assemble in the federal capital on his call as part of his Haqiqi Azadi movement.

“Imran is psychotic. What can you talk to him [about]?” he sarcastically asked.

The interior minister maintained that the Red Zone was sealed in view of the protest by the Kissan Ittehad and not because of the PTI march.

Sanaullah cautioned the PTI chief against coming to Islamabad or face the “consequences”.

“When Khan Sahib expresses his willingness [to come to Islamabad for the anti-government march] we will take afresh whatever steps are required,” he said.

“Modern methods will be used to fire tear gas shells and rubber bullets.”

The interior minister warned that the use of drone technology was also being considered against the PTI marchers, adding that action would be taken against the provinces if they refused to send their police to Islamabad.

On Wednesday, Sanaullah had warned all those provinces that would support the long march of the former premier of dire consequences, saying it violated the Constitution.

"The Constitution gives power to the federal government and I will ask cabinet and prime minister to use it in case of such a situation,” the interior minister said while speaking to the media after attending a drug trafficking seminar.

Lashing out at the deposed premier for “misleading the people and dividing the nation”, the minister said: “Imran is trying to malign the state institutions.”

“Strong action” would be taken against participants of the PTI long march if they attempt to come towards D-Chowk, he said, adding that the protesters could gather at F-9 Park or some other place as the apex court had already provided guidance in this regard. However, he warned of “strong action” in case of any attempt to come towards D-Chowk.

He criticised Imran’s attitude, saying that no one could negotiate with him.

On the Toshakhana case against Imran, he said that the ousted premier had been involved in the embezzlement and received an amount of around Rs260 million by selling gifts in the market.

He criticised the PTI chief for an out-of-court settlement made in a case of over Rs50 billion laundering by the previous government, as there was no clue who had signed this agreement.