Daily Times

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz Thursday said the Punjab government had allowed Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to hold its public meeting in Jinnah stadium in Gujranwala.

A notification issued by Gujranwala Deputy Commissioner Sohail Ashraf said no participant would be allowed to enter the site of the rally without a mask and everyone would be seated at a distance of three to six feet from each other.

It further states that police can check any vehicle parked at the rally for security purposes. “The organizers will ensure discipline at the venue and cooperate with law enforcement agencies for the maintenance of public order.” Meanwhile, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced that party supremo Nawaz Sharif, who has been convicted in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia Mills references and declared a proclaimed offender by the Islamabad High Court, will address the Gujranwala rally via video link from London.

The government has also strictly prohibited “anti-state/objectionable/offensive slogans” at the event in addition to speeches against constitutional offices, armed forces and judiciary. “In case of violation of any of the terms and conditions, the organisers shall be liable to face legal proceedings and NOC/permission shall be liable to be canceled immediately,” the notice read.

The police and district administration are creating hurdles in the PDM’s public gathering as a massive crackdown is being seen in different districts of Punjab against the political workers of both the PML-N and PPP. Around 500 workers hailing from the PML-N and PPP have been booked by the police in Gujranwala, Mandi Bahaudin, Hafizabad, Gujrat and adjoining districts on the pretext of ‘violating the COVID-19 SOPs’. The raids are being conducted at the residences of the political workers in order to stop them from attending the gathering. Moreover, a list was also issued by the government having names of over 200 ‘miscreants’ workers of PML-N from Lahore. The list includes MNAs, former Deputy Mayors, UC Chairmen and active party workers from Lahore district.

Meanwhile, a meeting was also held at Jati Umrah Raiwind on Thursday in which the arrangements were reviewed by Maryam Nawaz. It was attended by Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Rana Sanaullah, Muhammad Zubair, Mian Javed Latif and others. “The arrests and detentions cannot deter the PML-N and this movement against the government will be successful,” said Maryam Nawaz. She further added that the rallies and public gatherings will be extended in every nook and corner of the country if the government tries to disrupt our Gujranwala’s gathering. Senior PML-N leader and former minister for Railways Kh Saad Rafique, who is also an MNA from Lahore, said that a massive crackdown onthe PML-N workers is continued by the police in Lahore.