Sanaullah warns of 'full throttle response' if PTI enters Islamabad for long march

Islamabad: The coalition government will respond with "full force" if PTI chairman Imran Khan announces a long march and enters Islamabad, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah made it clear on Monday.

The minister told a presser that Khan has begun the culture of bringing huge crowds out on the streets, but the government knows how to end it. "We also know how to take a similar path," he said. 

"Imran Khan's behaviour is not in the favour of the nation as he wants to spread anarchy in Pakistan," he said.

About October 16 by-elections, in which Khan won six of the eight National Assembly seats, he said while the Election Commission of Pakistan has "responsibly carried out its job in the by-elections", Khan was busy "spreading propaganda against the chief election commissioner."

Sanaullah was of the view that if the PTI chief failed to respect voters then he won't earn any respect from our side either.

He said the Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) members were too Pakistanis and patriots, adding the people's mandate should be respected and the decision taken by the voters should be honoured and accepted. 

"The government prioritised the state over its own politics and will protect the democracy and the rule of law," he said. 

Sanaullah said the party supremo Nawaz Sharif will lead the next election campaign as he is the most trusted by the people.