Imran Khan gives ultimatum to govt to announce polls

Former PM left for Bani Gala after giving govt six-day deadline in speech at Jinnah Avenue

After a day which was marred by political drama and violence across the country, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan on Thursday gave a six-day ultimatum to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government to announce elections and dissolve the assemblies.

The PTI chairman left for his residence at Bani Gala after he addressed the participants of his much-trumpeted ‘Azadi March’ at Jinnah Avenue. He left behind his supporters who had marched for hours anticipating a major rally and sit-in.

The PTI marchers occupied D-Chowk for the majority of the night but by the time Khan gave his statement, entered Islamabad’s prohibited Red Zone. The area is home to several sensitive buildings, including the Supreme Court, PM House and embassies.

In his speech, the PTI chairman said he had arrived in Islamabad after travelling for 30 hours from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Imran Khan said that three party workers were killed in Karachi, while two others were thrown off Ravi Bridge. Thousands of party workers were arrested, he added.

He said that he was giving the government a deadline to announce general elections in June. “My message for the imported government is to dissolve assemblies and announce elections, otherwise I will come back again to Islamabad after six days,” he added.