LAHORE, March 12: Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf chief Imran Khan has held the Punjab government responsible for the Badami Bagh incident, stating, “the PML-N government’s close connections with terrorist organisations has led to attack on the houses of innocent people belonging to the Christian community.”

Mr Khan was speaking to media persons during his visit to Joseph Colony along with party leaders on Tuesday.

Stating that the PML-N leadership had finalised seat adjustments with the banned outfits in order to grab power, he observed that such moves were fanning terrorism and resulting in tragic incidents that were tarnishing Pakistan’s image at international level and putting minorities’ lives in danger.

Despite having cognisance of the entire situation, the PTI chief said the Punjab government did not act timely to stop the attackers from burning the houses which displayed its incapability and “deep connections” with banned outfits.

“Police at the site got vacated the houses of victims and then acted as mere spectators instead of barring the attackers from carrying out destruction in the area,” Imran Khan said.

The PTI chief said the present provincial government had made political appointments in Punjab police that were resulting in poor law and order situation. “The Punjab government has failed the police department just by appointing their blue-eyed people at top positions,” said Imran.

Mr Khan assailed the federal and Punjab governments for their failure to ensure safety of the lives and properties of minorities in the country. He said the burning of Christians’ houses had tarnished the image of the country at international level. “Had the culprits of Gojra incident been held accountable, the tragic incident of Badami Bagh would not have taken place,” he said. After coming into power, the PTI would ensure the minority rights and provide them with their basic rights at their doorstep.

He said the Punjab government was aware of the situation and could not control the protesters just because of its lethargic attitude. He said the Supreme Court was doing the job of a government, while the writ of the state was just missing.

He said elections should not be delayed at any cost. “Timely elections are the only solution to the entire crisis being faced by the country.