ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has accused the government of launching a crackdown against his party’s workers ahead of their planned protest in Islamabad, warning the rulers they would be responsible if “democracy is harmed by police action”.

Speaking at an impromptu press conference at his Bani Gala residence on Saturday, Khan alleged that the government, through the local administrations in various cities — particularly in Punjab — was harassing PTI workers and transporters who had agreed to provide vehicles to them.

“Democracy will be at risk if the government attempts to stop PTI workers from taking part in the protest,” warned Khan, encouraging PTI workers to reach the venue, come what may.

Khan said his party workers could react if any attempt was made to stop them by force. It was the party’s democratic right to hold this rally, after finding all legal doors closed, he said.

“You don’t know our workers. If you try to stop them and use batons then you (the government) will be responsible for any reaction and disorder,” he stated.

The federal government had given a conditional go-ahead to the rally, which the interior minister says will be closely guarded.

Khan wondered why the rulers were afraid for their offices, when his party had not made any demand for fresh elections. “We’ve only asked for a recount in four constituencies,” he said.

He alleged that the PML-N was not in a habit of playing with neutral umpires. “I introduced neutral umpires in cricket and I will introduce them in the electoral system as well”, he vowed, asking other political parties to cooperate with him in this struggle for Pakistan’s future.

Khan said the PML-N had marched alongside his party in the movement for the restoration of the judiciary and called on the PML-N to join hands to make the Election Commission truly independent.

“If you cannot support us, then at least do not block our way,” he said in remarks directed towards Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

“If those who rigged the elections are not punished then there will be no use of any future elections”, he said.

Khan said that he would present a charter of demands in Sunday’s public meeting and would also suggest a timeline for its implementation.

He also criticized the government for allegedly wasting tax-payers’ money on TV and newspaper advertisements that highlighted the government’s achievements.

Calling the government ‘cowards’, he said: “What kind of elected representatives are they who do not have the courage to face the people?”

He also brushed aside reports that there was a security threat to him or leaders of his party during the public meeting. Calling it a part of the government’s campaign to prevent people from taking part in the public meeting, he declared, “There is no security threat. I will be at D-Chowk and you all should be there too,” he said.

Earlier in the day, PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi held a press conference at the party’s central office in Islamabad, while Khan’s ally Sheikh Rashid Ahmed held his own media talk at the National Press Club. Both accused the government of creating hurdles for party workers and attempting to sabotage the planned show on Sunday. Ahmed said he had been told by the government that there was a threat to his life but, brushing aside such concerns, he vowed to reach the venue with Imran Khan.