Imran parts ways with Hashmi, denies being directed to march towards PM House

PTI chief announces expulsion of three PTI MNAs from the party

ISLAMABAD: Moments after PTI president Javed Hashmi accused Imran Khan of defying the party leadership's decision to not move towards the PM House, Imran said he and Hashmi would now part ways.

Addressing his supporters for a second time today from his container parked outside the Cabinet Division gate, Imran said PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri called and assured him that his supporters were peacefully marching to the PM House.

“After his [Qadri] call, I took the party core committee into confidence and we decided to move forward,” said Imran, adding, only Javed Hashmi disapproved of the decision.

“I only got direction from the Pakistani nation, no one else,” he said, referring to Hashmi's claim that Imran received numerous 'messages' before making his decision.

Further, the PTI chief announced the expulsion of three PTI MNAs from the party. Nasir Khattak. Mussarat Ahmed Zeb and Gulzar Ahmed have been identified as the three PTI lawmakers, who hadn't submitted their resignations to National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq despite party orders.

Further, the PTI chief called off talks with the government. “The government should resign and hold re-elections.”

Asking his supporters to prepare themselves to beat “Gullu Butts” tonight, Imran said, “Nawaz thinks we will cower to violence, become fearful and flee, but we are not going anywhere.”

Earlier, Imran had urged all Pakistanis to rise up against the government, while addressing his supporters on Sunday. 

Imran asked all party workers across the country to come out on the streets even if it required breaking barriers. “Civil servants should not follow the illegal orders of the government,” Imran stated.

He also said he would file a murder case against PM Nawaz Sharif as well as Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar and request that their names be put on the Exit Control List (ECL).

Imran's statements follow last night's clashes between protesters and the police.

At least three people have been killed and more than 400 others have been injured out since PTI and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers proceeded towards the PM House.

The PTI chief went on to allege that “Gullu Butts" wearing police uniforms tortured protesters as well as media personnel.

He remarked that shelling by police personnel was a violation of international law and accused the government of planning the attack before hand

"The bodies of two people were taken to the hospital in front of my eyes," said the PTI chairperson, adding that the injured were taken into custody by the police from the hospitals.

“Nawaz’s true face has been revealed. He does not know what democracy means,” said Imran, while reiterating that he is ready to die for the cause of freedom.

“Whoever says that these protests should not have taken place are slaves,” the PTI leader claimed. “We were not prepared yesterday but we are prepared now,” he added.