In a recorded video message tweeted from PTI's official account on Thursday, the prime minister quoted a verse from Quran, "stand with good and against evil" and said a society remained alive only if it follows the stated orders in the Holy Book.

The prime minister alleged that the opposition was involved in horse-trading “openly and brazenly” by purchasing the conscience of the members of National Assembly. He said the "ongoing crime of purchasing votes is an act against the nation and democracy", urging the nation to send this message by supporting him on March 27.

"I want the nation to come out of their homes and stand with me to send a message that they are not with the evil but against it," said the prime minister in the video message. "I want all Pakistanis to stand with me so that no one in the future dare commit the evil of horse-trading."

The Islamabad administration has allowed the PTI to conduct a rally in the federal capital at Parade Ground for one day only, while the ruling party was asked to vacate the place till night.

The allegations of horse-trading surfaced after dissident MNAs of the ruling party were found taking refuge in the PPP-controlled Sindh House hostel in Islamabad. Soon the PTI issued show-cause notices to at least 14 lawmakers, while party leaders, including the prime minister, repeatedly telling the other dissident lawmakers that they would be forgiven if they return to the party fold.

Meanwhile, the premier and federal ministers also issued threats to the MNAs and their families.