LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan has said his party’s protest in Lahore on Dec 15 will be peaceful but at the same time warned the PML-N government against using force like it did in Faisalabad.

“If any Faisalabad-like incident takes place in Lahore, the PML-N and Mian Saheban will be responsible for it,” Mr Khan told party workers here on Saturday.

He asked the PTI workers not to fi ght (with PML-N activists). “If the government unleashes its Gullus or the police, then we will fi ght,” he warned.

Says he will put Sana behind bars

He also asked them to give way to ambulances and the media during their protest in the provincial metropolis. He said the PTI’s peaceful protest in Karachi was historic. “We have set a new tradition in Karachi.”

Holding former law minister Rana Sanaullah responsible for Faisalabad incident in which a PTI activist was killed, Mr Khan said he would send Sanaullah to jail (for his crime). He said the PTI would not force Lahore’s traders to close their businesses on Monday. “If Lahore’s traders want change, they should close their businesses for a day. We want from them a day’s sacrifi ce,” he added.

He further said the PTI had been protesting on roads for the last four months demanding audit of the 2013 election but it was not getting justice. “If the government has good intention the issue can be resolved. Nawaz Sharif should resume talks from the point they were suspended if he is serious to resolve the issue,” Mr Khan said, warning the prime minister that by every passing day it would be diffi cult for him to run the country’s affair if the PTI did not get justice.

He said if the PTI came to power, it would call off Saturday’s holiday.

Earlier, PTI Secretary General Jehangir Tareen said the government was taking two much time for talks. “Through one ordinance a judicial commission can be formed to investigate the 2013 election rigging,” he said, adding the government had agreed if rigging proved through the election’s audit then new polls would be held.

RALLY: Goods transport operators on Saturday announced that they would take out a rally on Sunday (today) from Ravi Road to the Lahore Press Club against the PTI’s plan to close down the entire city from 18 points.

They also displayed banners inscribed with slogans against the PTI at all truck stands on Ravi Road and sought help of the police to ensure uninterrupted supply of goods in various parts of the city, especially on Monday.

“We condemn and reject the strike call and will demonstrate by taking out a rally up to the Lahore Press Club,” All-Pakistan Truck Trawler Owners Association chief Yasir Naseer told reporters after a meeting of local transport operators and traders.

He said the protest would also be attended by various trader groups.

Published in Dawn, December 14th, 2014