Abbasi accuses govt of using force to stop PDM from holding rally in Gujranwala

(Karachi) Former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that the administration is using its force to stop the Pakistan Democratic Movement from holding the rally in Gujranwala scheduled to be held on October 16 (Tomorrow).

He added the National Assembly Speaker "deliberately" called the session of the parliament tomorrow as part of tactics to fail opposition's rally in Gujranwala.

Addressing a press briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, he said that when the opposition parties threatened to hold public gathering on GT Road, the government immediately gave permission to hold it in Jinnah Stadium. "The permission was given to hold the public gathering at 5:30 in the morning," he said.

Hurling criticism on the government, he said that prices of flour and sugar has risen to record level and has become out of reach of a common man. Besides, he maintained that the economy has been ruined and lawlessness is rampant in the country.

He mentioned that the prime minister only threatens the opposition leaders but does not focus on the problems facing the country.

The former PM highlighted that the PDM's movement is not a fight to gain power but it is a fight for the survival of the country.

Earlier, the Gujranwala district administration granted permission to PDM, an alliance of all opposition parties, to hold a rally at Jinnah Stadium in Gujranwala on October 16 (tomorrow).

The opposition parties were granted permission following successful negotiations with the local administration. Matters related to Covid-19 SOPs, security situation and other issues are under discussion.