PDM all set to hold massive power show in Gujranwala

(Karachi) The Opposition is all set to hold its power show in Gujranwala today against the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf regime. Leaders of different political parties will address the public gathering under the banner of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of opposition parties formed to launch campaign against the government.

As per media reports, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz Vice-President Maryam Nawaz are on their way to Jinnah Stadium, the venue of PDM's public gathering.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is leading the his party caravan from Lahore’s Jamia Ashrafia to Gujranwala while the workers and supporters of the party have been directed to reach the rally venue directly.

On the other hand, Maryam Nawaz will reach Thokar Niaz Beg from Jati Umra and proceed to Babu Sabu Interchange through Multan Road. Then she will reach Shahdara Mor through Ring Road to take the GT Road to attend PDM Jalsa.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto is leading his party workers from the residence of Qamar Zaman Kaira in Gujrat to Jinnah Stadium. The organizers of the public gathering claimed that 10,000 chairs have been placed in the stadium for the participants.

JUI-F, PML-N workers' clash

The workers of JUI-F and PML-N reportedly clashed over a minor dispute at Jinnah Stadium. As per details, JUI-F workers were sitting on seats placed at the venue when some PML-N activists asked them to vacate the premises.

This led to an altercation between the two groups. However, after a heated argument, workers from both sides got involved in a fight using fists and blows. One of the workers reportedly fainted and was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Maryam's speech

Before setting of for Gujranwala, Maryam Nawaz held a press briefing at Jati Umra residence, saying the party workers are not afraid of arrests. She added they would actively participate in the rally despite all blockages and arrests.

Maryam urged Punjab Police and district administration to not intervene in the rally and use force against the PML-N workers.

"This is the start of eliminating the "fake" government," she remarked. She maintained the movement is all about protecting the rights of the people of Pakistan. She stated the PDM will hold a massive rally and it will be a success.

Bilawal's comments

PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto has said that the his party will forward the message of the people of Gujranwala to prime minister in public gathering in Gujranwala today. In a press conference in Lala Musa, he stated that Imran Khan has said that the government will not create hindrances in way of the rally but the entire route of their rally has been blocked by containers.

He claimed that houses of several PPP leaders were raided by police while scores of party workers were arrested.

Regarding the Gilgit-Baltistan elections, Bilawal said that if the elections in GB were rigged, it could lead to a national security crisis. "Pre-poll rigging has begun in Gilgit-Baltistan," he stated.

He said, "I will monitor the election campaign in the region myself." He maintained that their fight is against those who brought Imran Khan into power.

Fazl's remarks

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the opposition is committed to restoring the sanctity of the people's vote.

Speaking to the media in Lahore before his departure to the venue, he said: "We don't have personal enmity with anyone. But it should be specified that Pakistan belongs to Pakistanis. It does not belong to Western entities.

"Pakistan did not come into power to be ruled by the global establishment," he said.

PTI lawmakers' reaction

Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) lawmakers have responded effectively to the PDM Jalsa.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has said that the Pakistan Democratic Movement is holding a baseless gathering. It has no direction. The government has no problem with their gatherings.

He said that this opposition wanted to protect their corruption under the guise of gathering. Accountability of corrupt elements will continue under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shahbaz Gill has said that the government would provide clean water, masks, and sanitizers to the people at a meeting in Gujranwala today.

He said that measures would be taken for the convenience of the people and protection from the coronavirus.

Punjab Information Minister Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan said that the PDM rally will fail badly. He said the people and the workers of these parties know very well how to differentiate between lies and truth.

He stated that we can find those involved in nepotism, money laundering, fake telegraphic transfers, fake bank accounts, and destroyers of the country’s economy in these parties.

PDM-Govt agreement

The opposition alliance was given permission on Thursday after the Gujranwala district administration and the PDM reached a 28-point agreement on holding the rally.

• The agreement states that all coronavirus SOPs will be strictly implemented throughout the jalsa, and that attendees will not enter the jalsa venue without masks and sanitisers.

• The organisers will also have to install walk-through gates and sanitisers at the entrance and exit gates of the venue. Cars will be allowed to be parked at a distance from the venue of the jalsa. The PDM will arrange lighting at the venue and ensure there is no display of weaponry or fireworks at the venue.

• The seating arrangements will have to be such that there is a 3-6 feet distance between the attendees at all times.

• The PDM has also been told that none of its leaders are to make speeches at any place other than Jinnah Stadium, and there will be no 'welcoming camps' at GT Road.

• The two parties have also agreed that there will be no wall-chalking/graffiti in relation to the jalsa, and that party banners will be put up after securing permission from the relevant departments.

• The district administration has also secured guarantees that the speeches being made will not target any national security institutions or make any statements that may conflict with the Constitution.

• In case of the violation of the agreement, the district administration will be entitled to take appropriate action and register cases against the PDM leaders.