GUJRANWALA: Preparations have been completed for Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of major opposition parties, to show strength of political force in Gujranwala today (Friday). Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) workers and leaders spent night at Jinnah Stadium Gujranwala, the venue of the public meeting.
The first public meeting of Pakistan Democratic Movement, that wants to oust PTI-led government in the centre, will be held at the Jinnah Stadium. Government has made security arrangements and a large number of PML-N, Peoples’ Party workers were held by police.
Leaders of all major opposition parties including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz, chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and PDM president and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman will participate on today’s public gathering.
Maryam Nawaz is scheduled to depart for Gujranwala from Jati Umra in a caravan while Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will lead a rally from Lalamusa. Maulana Fazlur Rehman will leave for Gujranwala in a rally from Jamia Ashrafia after Jumma prayers.
At least 7,000 policemen and officers have been deployed at the Jinnah Stadium for security reasons. The venue of the PDM’s public gathering has been decorated with flags and banners of all opposition parties.
On the other hand, police have also prepared a plan to stop the caravans going to attend the rally. More than 24 entry and exit points to the city have been cordoned off and more than 45 mobile police teams have continued their patrols across the district.
Meanwhile, Lahore High Court (LHC) has disposed of pleas against barricading main roads to stop Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) key rally in Gujranwala.
According to details, Punjab Advocate General Ahmed Awais appeared before the court and said that the opposition parties have been allowed to hold peaceful protest. No worker of the PDM has been arrested, he told.
Subsequently, the court has dismissed the matter on advocate general’s statement.
PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said the PDM s Gujranwala rally will be a decisive referendum against the incompetent and corrupt government.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said blockades are being erected but lions of Nawaz Sharif are arriving in large numbers. She said, “The public meeting will be successful. Workers have been present at the venue since night.”
“Cases were lodged against us and we were threatened. The government blocked routes when it could not do anything. Shibli Faraz should start writing his resignation. The content of his resignation will also be provided by us.”
