ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, in a direct reply to the premier's remarks earlier in the day, said protesting in a peaceful manner is a part of democracy and not terrorism.

"The prime minister was asked a simple question regarding the acquisition of apartments worth billions in London," said Imran.

Instead of giving us an answer, he is touring the country and blaming our earlier sit-in for delays faced by development schemes, added Imran.

The PTI chief also asked the prime minister to follow the example of other democratic leaders, and there actions following the Panama Papers revelations.

"Does this mean that as a prime minister you can commit any crime, but if we question your conduct then democracy is threatened," questioned Imran.

Imran reminded the premier that it is the opposition's responsibility in a democracy to be answerable to the people and the opposition.

The PTI chief elaborated that the government needs to be answerable, and not blackmail others who also have offshore companies.

Imran also gave his opinion regarding the premier's next move and said, "Nawaz will do what he has done for the last 30 years, he will try to buy the opposition and anyone else who is deemed as a threat."

He added that the movement started by the opposition will not end, no matter how hard Nawaz tries.

"The premier has also divided the country, on one side are the corrupt and on the other side are the people of Pakistan who want accountability for their money."

PM's jab at PTI

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in a harshly-worded statement said, “People should think twice about which side they want to be on."

The prime minister went on to compare political agitation with terrorism, as he was the opinion that both hamper development and disrupt peace.

The prime minister's jabs at the PTI come as both parties continue to trade barbs over Panamagate. A war of words between opposition leaders and the government has escalated over the past few weeks, with opposition parties holding anti-corruption rallies and calling for the PM's resignation over allegations of corruption after the Panama Papers revealed the Sharif family's offshore holdings.

The PM has been touring the country to announce development and infrastructure projects, not all part of the CPEC. Last week he visited Bannu, where he announced an international airport and a special economic zone.