As protests break out in different parts of the country following the announcement of the disqualification verdict against former prime minister Imran Khan, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on Friday warned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against creating a law and order situation in the country.
"The one who used to call everyone thief has been proven a thief himself. His false propaganda has been exposed," he said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.
Rana urged the law enforcement agencies in Punjab not to obey a "thief" and to stand with the state. "I have never seen such a dull response [after the verdict]... In Punjab, there are not more than 40 to 50 people at one place [to protest]," he added.
He warned the "gang of agitators" not to create a law and order situation in the country. "The decision is on merit and it will stay as you have been caught red-handed," he further said.
Also read: PTI MNA, guard arrested as protests break out after Imran’s disqualification
The statement comes hours after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified PTI chief Imran Khan in the Toshakhana (gift depository) reference.
A four-member bench declared Imran Khan’s National Assembly seat vacant as it unanimously decided that he had provided incorrect information in the case and disqualified him “for the time being”.
The verdict deseated Imran as per Article-63 (A) and ordered the initiation of criminal proceedings against him for submitting a false statement. However, the ECP shied away from declaring the deposed premier disqualified for life.
Protests erupted in all major cities across the country soon after as PTI workers and supporters took to streets to express their dismay against the verdict.
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