PTI warned of 'consequences' if protests not curbed.

ISLAMABAD -- As the law and order situation continues to deteriorate amid protests by the PakAisAtan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) suppAorters in Punjab and Khyber PakAAhAtunkhwa (KP), PakisAtan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders Balighur RehAman and Rana Sanaullah separately warned the former ruling party of 'constitutional repercussions' if protests continued to hamper citizens' freedom of movement.

In a media talk at the Civil Hospital in Karachi, Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman said governor's rule in the province cannot be ruled out in light of the prevailing circumstances. He, however, termed it an 'extreme measure' with constitutional cover nonetheless.

'...the Constitution allows such measures...not among the impossible things but there are certain merits which define the time of its imposition,' the governor said while referring to the attack on Governor House allegedly by supporters of the PTI. 'So the way the law is being defied and writ of the state being challenged, it's not a good thing,' he warned.

'KP, Punjab police abetting protesters'

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah told the governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to either follow the Constitution or be ready for 'constitutional consequences'.

Addressing a press conference, the interior minister accused the Punjab and KP police of abetting and protecting small groups of protesters choking motorways, highways, and link roads.

He said maintaining law and order was the responsibility of the provincial governments, adding that written instructions have been issued to the chief secretaries of Punjab and KP to remove the protesters to ensure freedom of movement guaranteed by the Constitution. He said the provincial governments were responsible to keep...