Punjab vows to deal with PTI as 'terrorists'

LAHORE:

With tensions rising ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) planned November 24 protest, the Punjab government has warned of serious consequences, asserting that it would handle protesters as it would terrorists.

"They may have plans A, B, and C, but the state possesses the entire ABC," Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said while speaking to journalists outside the Lahore High Court (LHC).

Her remarks against the backdrop of the PTI's planned protest, billed as a "final call" by the PTI, which comes amid months of escalating tensions between the former ruling party and the incumbent government.

Elaborating on the government's strategy, Bokhari said protesters would be dealt with in the same manner as terrorists. "The state will not bow to threats," she asserted.

The minister also accused PTI of misusing public funds and inciting unrest. She alleged that the October rally led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to Islamabad cost the national exchequer Rs810 million.