Embattled Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today hit back at protesters, saying no "long or short march" can derail the government, even as Imran Khan vowed to continue his sit-in indefinitely till the Premier resigns.
Sharif, while addressing the joint session of the Parliament convened to support the Premier and discuss the current impasse, said, "the plans of nefarious elements in the country have been foiled in Parliament."
He said the government had the option of evicting the protesters from the capital but use of force could harm women and children being used as "human shields" by the protesting groups.
"The prevailing situation has made Pakistan a laughing stock...These people will have to face a public court and answer for what they have done," Sharif said.
"No long march or short march can derail us from our mission of upholding democracy," the Prime Minister said.
Highlighting the problems the sit-ins have caused, especially with regard to visits by international leaders, Sharif said, "Today the Chinese president is in India, when he was supposed to be here, in Pakistan."
Sharif also slammed the protesters for raking the issue of rigging months after the general election last year, "I went to meet Imran Khan at his Bani Gala residence...He didn't speak of any complaints regarding rigging...I do not understand where this rigging issue came from and how Imran is now on Constitution Avenue calling to wrap up the Parliament.
