ISLAMABAD: In a bid to ramp up pressure on the government, Dr Tahirul Qadri announced on Sunday that his supporters would go on hunger strike, while the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief declared a revolt against the ruling party.

Dr Qadri also appealed to the public at large to express their anti-government sentiment by writing ‘Go Nawaz Go’ on currency notes, so that word of their cause reached those who might not yet be aware of its significance.

But the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) clarified “in the interest of general public and banks” that any currency note bearing any written, stamped, embossed or inscribed slogan/statement or messages of political, religious or commercial nature ceased to be legal tender and lost its exchange value. Such act would result into the financial loss to the holder of such notes.

PAT chief urges people to write ‘Go Nawaz Go’ on banknotes; State Bank warns against currency defacement

“The general public is reminded that a banknote is critical for sovereignty of our country and it is our responsibility to handle and use the same with due care,” said the SBP.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan warned all those who opposed him and named individual police officers, including the police chiefs of Mianwali, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Gujranwala, saying: “Wait until we come to power. I won’t forgive any one of you.”

He was referring to police officials who were behind a crackdown on PTI and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) workers.

The number of protesters at D-Chowk dwindled slightly on Sunday, as most people returned home after having spent all-day Saturday at the venue.

In his speech, Dr Qadri alleged that protective embankments were not breached in time so that the Sharif brothers could save their own mills.

“We are talking about principles, law and constitution. If government adopts a violent course of action, it will be responsible for the consequences,” he said.

He said that his workers were being tortured and, to illustrate his point, called to the stage three individuals who narrated their experiences at the hands of law enforcers. He also vowed to avenge the “wronged men”.

Dr Qadri alleged that 2,331 PAT supporters had been arrested in the past three days from around the country.

Mr Khan in his speech warned the ruling party that their days were numbered.

“The present government will end very soon and the PTI will take charge after the PML-N is deposed,” he announced.

He also called on the government to release detained workers by Monday, or they would hold sit-ins outside the police stations where these workers were being held.

He praised the Islamabad High Court, which ordered the release of over 600 detained men.

Also on Sunday, a cameraman from a private TV channel was allegedly assaulted by PTI workers. Mohammad Tariq of Samaa TV was beaten up and his camera damaged while covering the sit-in.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2014