The Opposition parties' Pakistan Democratic Movement holds first jalsa in Gujranwala

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: Allowing the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to hold its rally in Gujranwala on Oct 16, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said people would judge for themselves how ‘strong’ the opposition was.

He directed the authorities concerned to allow the public gathering during the meeting of the special committee formed to deal with the opposition’s anti-government movement.

Talking to Dawn on condition of anonymity, a participant of the meeting said: “The prime minister was of the view that the opposition be allowed to hold its public meeting as it (opposition) will expose itself by doing so.”

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER AD

The meeting, however, insisted the organisers should ensure that standard operating procedures were observed as the country was experiencing resurgence in coronavirus cases.

The source said Prime Minister Khan termed the joint opposition “a gang of dacoits”, which was starting an anti-government campaign just to hide its corruption, adding that the public would see the opposition’s ‘show of power’ itself.

The opposition, on the other hand, has objected to the prime minister’s statement of allowing it to hold the gathering, saying it did not require the government’s permission for it.

The PDM was scheduled to hold its first public rally against the government in Quetta on Oct 11 but due to ‘security’ reasons, the plan was dropped. Later, the main opposition parties — Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) — decided to hold separate rallies on Oct 16 in Gujranwala and in Karachi on Oct 18, respectively, but this too did not work out, with the PDM finally deciding to hold a grand gathering in Gujranwala on Oct 16.

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A few days ago, Interior Minister Ijaz Shah, in a statement, had said the government should not allow the opposition to hold the rally, whereas Information Minister Shibli Faraz, after the federal cabinet’s meeting last Tuesday, declared that the government would permit the opposition to go ahead with its programme.

Meanwhile, Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said, politically, the government did not fear the opposition’s movement against it, but as the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Covid-19 chairman he was concerned about the spread of coronavirus.

Speaking at a TV show, Mr Umar said data showed that Covid-19 infections, which had declined a couple of months ago, were rising again.

He appealed to the opposition parties to avoid holding huge gatherings and follow SOPs like social distancing and wearing of masks during their protests, adding that “if the opposition wants to launch a movement against the government, it does not need to fill up grounds”.

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The minister said 10 deaths each were reported on four different days this month throughout the country.

He said the opposition could not topple the government and would never resign from the assemblies.

On the other hand, PML-N Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb said Imran Khan did not have the power to obstruct PDM’s public meeting.

She said people had become frustrated from facing one crisis after another brought on them by who she called “looters” in the government.

The prime minister’s statement of allowing the opposition to hold its public gathering was a “desperate attempt” to mask his embarrassment, she added.

“This is just like how the government had earlier allowed airing of Nawaz Sharif’s speech and then asking Pemra to ban it,” Ms Aurangzeb said.

PM meets NCM delegation

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said there was a need for everyone to unite and defeat anti-state elements who were striving to spread disorder in society on the pretext of religion.

He was talking to a delegation of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), led by its chairman Chela Ram Kewlani, that called on him at the Prime Minister’s House.

The delegation comprised Minister for Religious Affairs Pir Noorul Haq Qadri, Maulana Syed Mohammad Abdul Khabir Azad, Mufti Gulzar Ahmad Naeemi, Jiapal Chhabria, Vishnu Raja Qawi, Dr Sarah Safdar, Archbishop Sebastian Frances Shaw, Albert David, Dr Mampal Singh, Sarup Singh, Roshan Khurshid Bharucha, Dawood Shah, Islamic Ideology Council Chairman Dr Qibla Ayaz and Parliamentary Secretary Shanila Rath.

Matters relating to further strengthening NCM’s role were discussed in the meeting.

The prime minister said the government was committed to protecting the constitutional and legal rights of citizens belonging to the minority community and would take all measures in this regard.

Covid-19 meeting

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday feared the country might face a second wave of the pandemic in winter and directed the Centre and provinces to devise an effective strategy to deal with it.

“Reports of the second wave of the virus coming from different countries are evident of the fact that chances of the spread of coronavirus increases in winter,” he said while presiding over a meeting on Covid-19.

The meeting was told that data from the last six months had shown that the virus was re-emerging due to which smart lockdown was imposed in Islamabad, Karachi and Azad Kashmir.

It suggested banning all public gatherings, except educational institutions and economic activities.

An official statement of a separate NCOC meeting said the number of active cases in the country as of Monday was 8,552 after 385 more people tested positive.

According to the latest update, 10 patients died on Sunday, including six in hospitals,

Around 26,951 tests were conducted throughout the country on Sunday - 8,497 in Sindh, 11,082 in Punjab, 3,141 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 2,855 in Islamabad Capital Territory, 661 in Balochistan, 232 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 483 in Azad Kashmir.

So far 304,185 people have recovered from the virus, making it a significant count.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2020

 

[The Viper]

'Atif Aslam ko bula lain': Chaudhry has novel suggestion for PML-N's Oct 16 event

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday suggested that the PML-N invite pop star Atif Aslam to lead its rally instead of party Vice President Maryam Nawaz if it really wants to pull a crowd for its October 16 gathering in Gujranwala.

Chaudhry made the suggestion during a TV talk show aired by a private news channel after the other panelist, PML-N’s Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha, said that Maryam Nawaz instead of Shahbaz Sharif had been chosen to lead the October 16 rally as she is a "crowd puller".

The host of the show had been discussing the rise of political players who had landed into leadership positions "without following the process”.

The host had pointed out to Ranjha that his party leader Maryam Nawaz and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto had entered the political foray “by virtue of inheritance”.

When Ranjha was asked why it was that Shehbaz Sharif, a considerably more seasoned politician, was not being asked to lead jalsas, he told the host that “Maryam is a crowd puller”.

“If we look at our political party and we go to [our] political rallies, it’s a fact. If she is a crowd puller, then we want our party to be led by a person, [whose] rallies are attended by people who want to leave their homes [for her] and do not have to be invited. She is a crowd puller,” Ranjha said.

As soon as PML-N leader made the comment, however, Chaudhry couldn't resist making a wisecrack.

“Why don't you invite Atif Aslam?"

Ranjha took the comment in stride, saying that “Atif Aslam and others” are not of the “calibre” to bring out people in places like Sargodha and other smaller cities.

Also read: Maryam Nawaz presenting a flawed narrative: Fawad Chaudhry

But Chaudhry, who was not going to let another opportunity slide, dryly suggested that the PML-N invite popular folk singer Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi instead.

Again, Ranjha took it in stride, noting that Attaullah would be in Mianwali and that he would likely not take up the offer after his experience with the PTI.

PDM rally on October 16
The Pakistan Democratic Movement, formed by the opposition to topple the government, will hold its first public gathering on October 16 in Gujranwala.

The rally is being spearheaded by the main opposition party, the PML-N, which has vowed to hold the gathering no matter "how hard the government pushes to stop it".

Meanwhile, the government has reiterated that it will not create any hurdles for the opposition as long as the rally is peaceful and abides by the law.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/313229-fa...te-atif-aslam-to-pull-crowds-for-oct-16-rally

 

[Abdullah719]

Govt reveals ‘startling’ money-laundering details of Sharif family on eve of Gujranwala showdown

Spoiler

Just a day before the opposition’s Gujranwala showdown, Adviser to Prime Minister on Accountability and Interior Mirza Shahzad Akbar has disclosed that Rs15 billion had been deposited in fake accounts of 12 lower grade employees of the Sharif Group from 2008 to 2018, and Rs7 billion were deposited in six fake companies’ accounts.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Thursday, he said that during these years, a high turnover of Rs15 billion was found in the bank accounts of 12 low salaried workers of Ramzan and Al-Arabia sugar mills.

The details of these account-holders and the deposited money is as under: During 2016-17, in a bank account of Malik Maqsood, a tea boy/peon of the Sharif Group Managing Director Suleman Shehbaz, Rs3.7 billion had been deposited and the person escaped to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2018 when the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) started an investigation against Suleman Shahbaz.

From 2014 to 2017, Rs2.3 billion had been deposited in the bank account of Muhammad Aslam, a peon of the Ramzan Sugar Mills; from 2011 to 2014, Rs1.67 billion were deposited in bank account of Azhar Abbas, a clerk of Ramzan Sugar Mills; from 2012 to 2014, Rs1.57 billion were deposited in the account of Ghulam Shabbar, another clerk of Ramzan Sugar Mill; from 2010 to 2014, Rs1.42 billion were deposited in the account of yet another clerk, Khizar Hayat Nazar of Ramzan Sugar Mills; from 2012 to 2015, Rs1.18 billion were deposited in the account of Iqrar Hussain, a clerk of Ramzan Sugar Mills, from 2011 to 2015, Rs 880 million deposited in account of Muhammad Anwar, another clerk of Ramzan Sugar Mills, Rs562 million were deposited in the bank account of Tauqeeruddin, manager sales of Ramzan and Al-Arabia sugar mills, from 2012-13, Rs512 million were deposited in account of Tanveer-ul-Haq, a Sharif Group data entry operator; Rs461 million were deposited in account of Kashif Majeed, accounts clerk of Ramzan Sugar mills, from 2012 to 2017, Rs425 million were deposited in account of the late Gulzar Ahmad Khan, a peon of Ramzan Sugar Mills.

Shahzad Akbar also said that even after the death of Gulzar Ahmad Khan in February 7, 2015, a trustworthy cashier of the Sharif Group kept on operating his account.

From 2009 to 2011, Rs230 million were deposited in the account of Masroor Anwar, a trustworthy cash boy of the Sharif family.

Sharif Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Muhammad Usman opened these accounts for personal transactions of Suleman Shehbaz Sharif, he added.

Rs22 billion was not of business or sugar-related money, he said, adding that forensic of these accounts had been carried out. “Perhaps only Rs3 billion might be linked with sugar-related business and the rest amount was not linked with any business.”

The PM’s aide said that the big portion of the money was taken from contractors, businessmen, politician or as patronage extortion.

He went on to say that parallel banking was practised in certain bank branches in connection with money-laundering.

About fake companies, he revealed that from 2010 to 2018, Rs7 billion had been deposited in six fake companies. He said that proprietors of these companies were lower salary people of the Sharif Group or have fake identities.

These companies were not registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). For the opening of these bank accounts, fake letterheads of the fake companies were used and banks failed to carry out a proper inspection while opening the accounts.

An account in the name of Al-Fakhri Traders was opened, in which Rs2.8 billion were deposited during 2008-10; from 2011 to 2013, Rs1.32 billion were deposited in account of Waris Traders; from 2010 to 2018, Rs1.24 billion were deposited in account of Akbar Traders, from 2010 to 2014, Rs998 million were deposited in account of Rashid Traders, Rs558 million were deposited in the account of Jami Enterprises, and from 2008 to 2016, Rs 145 million were deposited in the account of T&A traders.

He said that systematic money laundering was done to avoid a cash transaction report (CTR).

Shahzad Akbar said that Masroor Anwar and Shoaib Qamar were cash boys, in the custody of NAB, and transactions worth billion of rupees were made through them.

He asked if Shehbaz Sharif was unaware as to wherefrom money was coming in his account?

He questioned how Shehbaz bought four flats in London? What was the source of income of the Shehbaz Sharif family members living in London?

“Shehbaz Sharif should be asked how his family was residing in London? Had they obtained British citizenship? What was the citizenship status of Suleman Shehbaz,” he questioned.

To another question, he said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) wanted to hold a public gathering at a congested place to show large strength of people and they wanted to play with the health of people of Gujranwala during present situation of Covid-19.

“If standard operating procedures (SOPs) with regard to safety from Covid-19 would not be implemented properly, the virus could hit small areas,” he added.

He said that now the responsibility lied with the leadership of the PML-N and the PPP that how they follow the SOPs to avoid the spread of contagion.

To another query, he said that the British government had been requested through a letter to send Nawaz Sharif back to Pakistan.

About price-hike, the PM’s aide said that things are closely being monitored and hope that the situation would improve in the coming days.

To another question, he said that the PPP parliamentarians would never tender resignation from the assemblies.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/226850...f-sharif-family-on-eve-of-gujranwala-showdown

 

[Bewal Express]

Govt reveals ‘startling’ money-laundering details of Sharif family on eve of Gujranwala showdown

Spoiler

Just a day before the opposition’s Gujranwala showdown, Adviser to Prime Minister on Accountability and Interior Mirza Shahzad Akbar has disclosed that Rs15 billion had been deposited in fake accounts of 12 lower grade employees of the Sharif Group from 2008 to 2018, and Rs7 billion were deposited in six fake companies’ accounts.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Thursday, he said that during these years, a high turnover of Rs15 billion was found in the bank accounts of 12 low salaried workers of Ramzan and Al-Arabia sugar mills.

The details of these account-holders and the deposited money is as under: During 2016-17, in a bank account of Malik Maqsood, a tea boy/peon of the Sharif Group Managing Director Suleman Shehbaz, Rs3.7 billion had been deposited and the person escaped to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2018 when the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) started an investigation against Suleman Shahbaz.

From 2014 to 2017, Rs2.3 billion had been deposited in the bank account of Muhammad Aslam, a peon of the Ramzan Sugar Mills; from 2011 to 2014, Rs1.67 billion were deposited in bank account of Azhar Abbas, a clerk of Ramzan Sugar Mills; from 2012 to 2014, Rs1.57 billion were deposited in the account of Ghulam Shabbar, another clerk of Ramzan Sugar Mill; from 2010 to 2014, Rs1.42 billion were deposited in the account of yet another clerk, Khizar Hayat Nazar of Ramzan Sugar Mills; from 2012 to 2015, Rs1.18 billion were deposited in the account of Iqrar Hussain, a clerk of Ramzan Sugar Mills, from 2011 to 2015, Rs 880 million deposited in account of Muhammad Anwar, another clerk of Ramzan Sugar Mills, Rs562 million were deposited in the bank account of Tauqeeruddin, manager sales of Ramzan and Al-Arabia sugar mills, from 2012-13, Rs512 million were deposited in account of Tanveer-ul-Haq, a Sharif Group data entry operator; Rs461 million were deposited in account of Kashif Majeed, accounts clerk of Ramzan Sugar mills, from 2012 to 2017, Rs425 million were deposited in account of the late Gulzar Ahmad Khan, a peon of Ramzan Sugar Mills.

Shahzad Akbar also said that even after the death of Gulzar Ahmad Khan in February 7, 2015, a trustworthy cashier of the Sharif Group kept on operating his account.

From 2009 to 2011, Rs230 million were deposited in the account of Masroor Anwar, a trustworthy cash boy of the Sharif family.

Sharif Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Muhammad Usman opened these accounts for personal transactions of Suleman Shehbaz Sharif, he added.

Rs22 billion was not of business or sugar-related money, he said, adding that forensic of these accounts had been carried out. “Perhaps only Rs3 billion might be linked with sugar-related business and the rest amount was not linked with any business.”

The PM’s aide said that the big portion of the money was taken from contractors, businessmen, politician or as patronage extortion.

He went on to say that parallel banking was practised in certain bank branches in connection with money-laundering.

About fake companies, he revealed that from 2010 to 2018, Rs7 billion had been deposited in six fake companies. He said that proprietors of these companies were lower salary people of the Sharif Group or have fake identities.

These companies were not registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). For the opening of these bank accounts, fake letterheads of the fake companies were used and banks failed to carry out a proper inspection while opening the accounts.

An account in the name of Al-Fakhri Traders was opened, in which Rs2.8 billion were deposited during 2008-10; from 2011 to 2013, Rs1.32 billion were deposited in account of Waris Traders; from 2010 to 2018, Rs1.24 billion were deposited in account of Akbar Traders, from 2010 to 2014, Rs998 million were deposited in account of Rashid Traders, Rs558 million were deposited in the account of Jami Enterprises, and from 2008 to 2016, Rs 145 million were deposited in the account of T&A traders.

He said that systematic money laundering was done to avoid a cash transaction report (CTR).

Shahzad Akbar said that Masroor Anwar and Shoaib Qamar were cash boys, in the custody of NAB, and transactions worth billion of rupees were made through them.

He asked if Shehbaz Sharif was unaware as to wherefrom money was coming in his account?

He questioned how Shehbaz bought four flats in London? What was the source of income of the Shehbaz Sharif family members living in London?

“Shehbaz Sharif should be asked how his family was residing in London? Had they obtained British citizenship? What was the citizenship status of Suleman Shehbaz,” he questioned.

To another question, he said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) wanted to hold a public gathering at a congested place to show large strength of people and they wanted to play with the health of people of Gujranwala during present situation of Covid-19.

“If standard operating procedures (SOPs) with regard to safety from Covid-19 would not be implemented properly, the virus could hit small areas,” he added.

He said that now the responsibility lied with the leadership of the PML-N and the PPP that how they follow the SOPs to avoid the spread of contagion.

To another query, he said that the British government had been requested through a letter to send Nawaz Sharif back to Pakistan.

About price-hike, the PM’s aide said that things are closely being monitored and hope that the situation would improve in the coming days.

To another question, he said that the PPP parliamentarians would never tender resignation from the assemblies.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/226850...f-sharif-family-on-eve-of-gujranwala-showdown

Corruption on a staggering scale. Just imagine what would be going to today if Kaptaan had not kicked them out. Is it any wonder the country was bankrupt when Kaptaan took over?

 

[MenInG]

LAHORE: The opposition is confident about making its first rally in Gujranwala on Friday (today) a success with a claim that the event will lay the foundation for the ouster of Imran Khan’s government.

The recently-formed Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) — which comprises 11 parties including the PML-N, PPP and JUI-F — has vowed to turn the Gujranwala rally into a ‘big power show’, asking Information Minister Shibli Faraz to resign if the venue is jam-packed.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER AD

Mr Faraz had thrown a challenge to the opposition to fill the Jinnah Park since the government had allowed it to hold a public gathering there. “Tell us will you resign forthwith if the venue is full,” PML-N Senator Pervaiz Rashid asked the minister.

Gujranwala is a stronghold of PML-N, but the party is not banking on that fact alone. The PML-N leadership has mobilised its workers and supporters across Punjab and asked them to reach the venue while Maulana Fazlur Rehman has also committed to bringing a large number of his followers.

PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari arrived in Lala Musa in Gujrat at the residence of Qamar Zaman Kaira on Thursday evening. It is expected that he will lead PPP workers from there to the venue of the rally.

PML-N vice-president and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter Maryam Nawaz announced that she would leave for the venue from her Jati Umra residence in Lahore at the head of a caravan. The PML-N’s Lahore chapter has been tasked with ensuring that a lot of supporters and workers accompany her to the venue.

Although she would leave in the afternoon, the party did not confirm whether she would reach the venue early in the evening. “Who knows how much time Maryam’s caravan takes to reach Gujranwala,” said a party leader.

PDM president Maulana Fazl will leave for Gujranwala from Jamia Ashrafia on Ferozepur Road, Lahore. The JUI-F leadership has directed its supporters to reach the rally venue directly.

“We have ensured that Friday’s power show is phenomenal as this will decide the fate of the PTI government. All leaders of the opposition are convinced that this rally will set the momentum for ouster of the government,” a senior PML-N leader told Dawn.

As a good number of PML-N leaders have already reached Gujranwala, the PTI government has placed a number of containers on the roads there, indicating its mood to block the way of as many opposition workers and supporters as it could. But the opposition is confident that with a large number of people heading towards Gujranwala, such barriers won’t be able to stop them from reaching the rally’s venue.

On the other hand, the administration removed all the banners and panaflex posters related to the opposition’s rally in the provincial capital on Thursday. The district administration of Gujranwala and Lahore remained on high alert to deal with any untoward situation.

According to an opposition leader, it has warned the administration that its supporters and workers may start a long march towards Islamabad if police create hurdles to stop them from reaching the venue.

All Pakistan Anjuman Tajran secretary general Naeem Mir said that it would have to take shelter under the umbrella of the opposition after facing frustration over the PTI government’s anti-trader steps like unleashing Tiger Force at them.

Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court sought a reply from the Punjab government on a petition by PML-N Lawyers’ Forum, which challenged the alleged arrest of party workers and placing of containers on the roads to obstruct the Gujranwala’s meeting of the opposition parties.

Advocate General of Punjab Ahmad Awais undertook before the court that no illegal action would be taken by the government.

The court directed the AGP to submit a detailed report on behalf of the government on Friday (today).

Deputy Commissioner of Gujranwala Sohail Ashraf granted an NoC to the PDM for holding the rally at Jinnah Park. He directed the participants of the public meeting to wear face masks and observe social distancing.

“As per the notification, the organisers are prohibited to allow the entry of members of banned outfits inside the venue and on stage… (and) their speeches are also not allowed. Slogans and speeches against the state institutions are prohibited,” it says.

Punjab police have already booked over 400 workers of the PDM, mostly from the PML-N, in different parts of the province for reportedly violating the Covid-19 SOPs during corner meetings.

Maryam Nawaz said Nawaz Sharif would also address the rally. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has already imposed a ban on Mr Sharif’s speeches for being an absconder.

PML-N secretary general Ahsan Iqbal told a presser on Thursday that Prime Minister Khan had become unnerved over the PDM’s protest drive. “I would like to remind Imran Niazi that he had promised to give the opposition a container for protesting… now he will have to listen — ‘Go Imran, go’ — from 220 million people of the country for making their lives miserable,” he said.

Akram Malik in Gujranwala also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2020

https://www.dawn.com/news/1585315/stage-set-for-pdm-power-show-in-gujranwala

 

[Bewal Express]

LAHORE: The opposition is confident about making its first rally in Gujranwala on Friday (today) a success with a claim that the event will lay the foundation for the ouster of Imran Khan’s government.

The recently-formed Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) — which comprises 11 parties including the PML-N, PPP and JUI-F — has vowed to turn the Gujranwala rally into a ‘big power show’, asking Information Minister Shibli Faraz to resign if the venue is jam-packed.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER AD

Mr Faraz had thrown a challenge to the opposition to fill the Jinnah Park since the government had allowed it to hold a public gathering there. “Tell us will you resign forthwith if the venue is full,” PML-N Senator Pervaiz Rashid asked the minister.

Gujranwala is a stronghold of PML-N, but the party is not banking on that fact alone. The PML-N leadership has mobilised its workers and supporters across Punjab and asked them to reach the venue while Maulana Fazlur Rehman has also committed to bringing a large number of his followers.

PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari arrived in Lala Musa in Gujrat at the residence of Qamar Zaman Kaira on Thursday evening. It is expected that he will lead PPP workers from there to the venue of the rally.

PML-N vice-president and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter Maryam Nawaz announced that she would leave for the venue from her Jati Umra residence in Lahore at the head of a caravan. The PML-N’s Lahore chapter has been tasked with ensuring that a lot of supporters and workers accompany her to the venue.

Although she would leave in the afternoon, the party did not confirm whether she would reach the venue early in the evening. “Who knows how much time Maryam’s caravan takes to reach Gujranwala,” said a party leader.

PDM president Maulana Fazl will leave for Gujranwala from Jamia Ashrafia on Ferozepur Road, Lahore. The JUI-F leadership has directed its supporters to reach the rally venue directly.

“We have ensured that Friday’s power show is phenomenal as this will decide the fate of the PTI government. All leaders of the opposition are convinced that this rally will set the momentum for ouster of the government,” a senior PML-N leader told Dawn.

As a good number of PML-N leaders have already reached Gujranwala, the PTI government has placed a number of containers on the roads there, indicating its mood to block the way of as many opposition workers and supporters as it could. But the opposition is confident that with a large number of people heading towards Gujranwala, such barriers won’t be able to stop them from reaching the rally’s venue.

On the other hand, the administration removed all the banners and panaflex posters related to the opposition’s rally in the provincial capital on Thursday. The district administration of Gujranwala and Lahore remained on high alert to deal with any untoward situation.

According to an opposition leader, it has warned the administration that its supporters and workers may start a long march towards Islamabad if police create hurdles to stop them from reaching the venue.

All Pakistan Anjuman Tajran secretary general Naeem Mir said that it would have to take shelter under the umbrella of the opposition after facing frustration over the PTI government’s anti-trader steps like unleashing Tiger Force at them.

Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court sought a reply from the Punjab government on a petition by PML-N Lawyers’ Forum, which challenged the alleged arrest of party workers and placing of containers on the roads to obstruct the Gujranwala’s meeting of the opposition parties.

Advocate General of Punjab Ahmad Awais undertook before the court that no illegal action would be taken by the government.

The court directed the AGP to submit a detailed report on behalf of the government on Friday (today).

Deputy Commissioner of Gujranwala Sohail Ashraf granted an NoC to the PDM for holding the rally at Jinnah Park. He directed the participants of the public meeting to wear face masks and observe social distancing.

“As per the notification, the organisers are prohibited to allow the entry of members of banned outfits inside the venue and on stage… (and) their speeches are also not allowed. Slogans and speeches against the state institutions are prohibited,” it says.

Punjab police have already booked over 400 workers of the PDM, mostly from the PML-N, in different parts of the province for reportedly violating the Covid-19 SOPs during corner meetings.

Maryam Nawaz said Nawaz Sharif would also address the rally. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has already imposed a ban on Mr Sharif’s speeches for being an absconder.

PML-N secretary general Ahsan Iqbal told a presser on Thursday that Prime Minister Khan had become unnerved over the PDM’s protest drive. “I would like to remind Imran Niazi that he had promised to give the opposition a container for protesting… now he will have to listen — ‘Go Imran, go’ — from 220 million people of the country for making their lives miserable,” he said.

Akram Malik in Gujranwala also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2020

https://www.dawn.com/news/1585315/stage-set-for-pdm-power-show-in-gujranwala

In the middle of a pandemic, they want to hold large rallies.And who will pay for these people if they fall ill, not the ******* on the run, for whose ill gooten loot, this whole thing is being held for.

 

[last_knight]

In the middle of a pandemic, they want to hold large rallies.And who will pay for these people if they fall ill, not the ******* on the run, for whose ill gooten loot, this whole thing is being held for.

They know people aren't coming. Pandemic is the perfect (and by default, right ) excuse.

Attendance figures mattet only for Sit-in, not for Jalsa. Primary aim of a Jalsa is to get air time, Attendance figures are secondary.

 

[uberkoen]

Containers everywhere. PTI using the same tactics that they complained about.

They’re all the same really.

 

[MenInG]

So these idiot are organizing an event when Covid is a concern.

Atleast some sense from Govt but no cure for jihalat.

==

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill on Friday said the PTI government will provide hand sanitisers, face masks and drinking water to all supporters of Opposition parties attending the Gujranwala jalsa.

Taking to Twitter, Gill said, “this is the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan. We will take measures for the convenience of our people and protection from coronavirus in all circumstances.”

The PM’s aide also slammed the Opposition for using the 'innocent public' in an attempt to save their families' corruption.

“The government will provide clean drinking water, face masks and hand sanitizers to all those coming to attend the Gujranwala rally today,” he said.

The Opposition alliance has launched a series of anti-government rallies across the country to oust what it calls a “selected” regime. The first of the rallies will be held today in Gujranwala.

All major Opposition leaders, including JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PML-N’s Maryam Nawaz and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, are expected to address the jalsa, which has been organised at Gujranwala's Jinnah Stadium.

'Opposition scared of losing'
Separately, Federal Minister for Science Fawad Chaudhry said that the opposition parties are afraid of losing.

“The opposition was supposed to fill the Gujranwala stadium but they have established the stage in a way that has limited the capacity to 20,000 in a stadium which can accommodate 30,000 people.”

Fawad recalled that Imran Khan had managed to fill the entire Minar-e-Pakistan ground in Lahore, but the Opposition would fail to fill the stadium even if they joined their forces.

 

[MenInG]

GUJRANWALA: The Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) planned gathering in PML-N’s stronghold of Gujranwala has also attracted a delegation of local wrestlers, who have arrived at the venue to welcome Maryam Nawaz.

Gujranwala, also known as the City of Wrestlers for its rich grappling culture, harbours a sizable support for the PML-N.

Talking to Geo News, a certain Riaz Pehlwan said that his wrestling community would welcome the daughter of "our leader" Nawaz Sharif in "pehlwani style".

“This is her city as well,” he added.

When asked to explain how the wrestling fraternity has been hit by inflation, he said that almonds, which were once available for Rs200 per kg, were now being sold at Rs650, while "the meat is also getting costlier day by day."

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewsAlert?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewsAlert</a> – PMLN Rally to be held in Gujranwala, Pakistan.<br><br>Heavy gathering of PMLN Leaders to protest against Army Atrocities and ask for Pakistan PM- Imran Khan’s resignation.<br><br>Original Input : <a href="https://twitter.com/manojkumargupta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@manojkumargupta</a>.<br><br>Join the broadcast with <a href="https://twitter.com/vandanaseb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vandanaseb</a>. <a href="https://t.co/YSqJmIbqQN">pic.twitter.com/YSqJmIbqQN</a></p>— CNNNews18 (@CNNnews18) <a href="https://twitter.com/CNNnews18/status/1316954478042476545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Interesting!

 

[MenInG]

All eyes are on Gujranwala as top opposition leaders — under the banner of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) — make their way to the city for the first power show of their anti-government campaign.

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz left for the rally from her residence at Jati Umra, Lahore. In a tweet after 8pm, Maryam said it had taken her motorcade six hours to exit Lahore. "Now rushing to Gujranwala. [Have] crossed Kamoki," she said.

"There is an ocean of people front, back, right & left. This is unprecedented," she earlier wrote, sharing pictures and videos of the supporters accompanying her convoy.

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER AD
Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam chief Fazlur Rehman is still hours away from the venue, while according to TV reports, PPP Chairperson Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari's convoy has entered the limits of Gujranwala city. Bilawal energised his supporters through a brief talk during the journey at Wazirabad.

Hundreds of supporters and workers had started gathering at the Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala, in the afternoon after arriving from different cities in the form of rallies. They are chanting slogans and waving flags of the various opposition parties that are part of the PDM alliance, as opposition anthems are played on loudspeakers.

Participants await the arrival of PDM leaders. — DawnNewsTV
A number of politicians, including PML-N's Marriyum Aurangzeb, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Khawaja Asif, Khurram Dastagir and veteran politician Javed Hashmi, are already present at the venue.

Contrary to the guidelines issued by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) for public gatherings in view of the coronavirus pandemic, there is next to no social distancing and most participants are not wearing masks.

The stadium has a capacity of 35,000. Nearly 10,000 seats have been arranged in the ground, while some 25,000 people can be accommodated in the various enclosures at the stadium.

Maryam departs as 'Nawaz's foot soldier'
While addressing supporters before her departure, Maryam said the opposition has "come out for the rights of the 220 million people" and for the livelihoods of the poor, traders and labourers of Pakistan.

She urged the people of Gujranwala to join the rally and asked law-enforcement agencies, police and the administration "not to come in the way of the people".

In a tweet, Maryam said she was embarking on this "mission as Nawaz's foot soldier".

"I have dedicated myself to your struggle, your mission for Pakistan and its people. May Allah be with us and may we return triumphant and victorious. Pakistan Zindabad," she said while addressing the PML-N supremo who is also expected to address the rally.

'Opposition deliberately delayed departure'
Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry claimed that the opposition leaders had deliberately "left their homes late" in anticipation of a low turnout of supporters.

"Hopefully they will learn a lesson from this failure and adopt the correct path," he said in a tweet.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill announced through a tweet that the government will provide drinking water, masks and hand sanitisers to the participants of the Gujranwala rally.

"Innocent people are being used in the effort to protect family corruption," he alleged.

Opposition will restore sanctity of vote: Fazl
JUI-F chief and PDM President Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the opposition was committed to restoring the sanctity of the people's vote.

Speaking to the media in Lahore before his departure to the venue, the JUI-F chief 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.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman leads prayers during their journey to Gujranwala. — DawnNewsTV
"Pakistan did not come into power to be ruled by the global establishment.

"The opposition [...] is committed and there should be no impression that any of the parties are waiting for an agreement. All [parties] are committed and are united in restoring [the sanctity] of the people's vote."

Rehman added that the only legislation done during the past two years of the PTI government has been under the Financial Action Task Force's conditions. "The parliament's sovereignty is not considered [...] and the purpose of the law mentioned on the bill clearly states that legislation is being done under the FATF's conditions.

A view of the stage set up at the rally. — DawnNewsTV
"If we do this, then our parliament is negating its own sovereignty." He added that the parliament was not the people's and had been brought under by the global establishment and was legislating according to its own agenda.

"To defeat such governance, all of the country's opposition parties are under one forum and will address the nation as one," he said.

Time for PM Imran to go, says Bilawal
Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari said that the current government's anxiety was before the nation. "Our workers are being harassed, FIRs are being lodged and leaders' houses are being besieged," he said while speaking to the media in Lala Musa, from where he was meant to lead a convoy to the venue in Gujranwala.

PPP Chairman Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari. — DawnNewsTV
Bilawal said that despite the government's best efforts it could not address pressing issues such as hunger and unemployment. "The whole country will see the rally in Gujranwala. The time for the selected prime minister to go is now here."

He also warned of pre-poll rigging in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections, adding that he will monitor the process. "If there is rigging, we will launch a protest from GB to Islamabad."

Commenting on the convening of sessions of both houses of parliament, Bilawal called the government's move a "joke".

Veteran politician Javed Hashmi is among the attendees. — DawnNewsTV
"You saw the rigging they did to pass the FATF legislation. Imran Khan only speaks in parliament in my absence. I think he will do the same today," he said, accusing the premier of making parliament his jalsagah.

Gujranwala showdown
The recently-formed PDM — which comprises 11 parties including the PML-N, PPP and JUI-F — has vowed to turn the Gujranwala rally into a ‘big power show’, asking Information Minister Shibli Faraz to resign if the venue is jam-packed.

Faraz had challenged the opposition to fill Jinnah Park since the government had allowed it to hold a public gathering. “Tell us will you resign forthwith if the venue is full,” PML-N Senator Pervaiz Rashid asked the minister.

Gujranwala is a stronghold of PML-N, but the party is not banking on that fact alone. The PML-N leadership has mobilised its workers and supporters across Punjab and asked them to reach the venue while Maulana Fazlur Rehman has also committed to bringing a large number of his followers.

PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari arrived in Lala Musa in Gujrat at the residence of Qamar Zaman Kaira on Thursday evening. It is expected that he will lead PPP workers from there to the venue of the rally.

PDM President Maulana Fazl will leave for Gujranwala from Jamia Ashrafia on Ferozepur Road, Lahore. The JUI-F leadership has directed its supporters to reach the rally venue directly.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1585386/m...d-to-gujranwala-showdown-with-ocean-of-people

 

[MenInG]

Will this movement make a difference?

 

[Bewal Express]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewsAlert?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewsAlert</a> – PMLN Rally to be held in Gujranwala, Pakistan.<br><br>Heavy gathering of PMLN Leaders to protest against Army Atrocities and ask for Pakistan PM- Imran Khan’s resignation.<br><br>Original Input : <a href="https://twitter.com/manojkumargupta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@manojkumargupta</a>.<br><br>Join the broadcast with <a href="https://twitter.com/vandanaseb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vandanaseb</a>. <a href="https://t.co/YSqJmIbqQN">pic.twitter.com/YSqJmIbqQN</a></p>— CNNNews18 (@CNNnews18) <a href="https://twitter.com/CNNnews18/status/1316954478042476545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Interesting!

Army atrocities?

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is a moment. Benazir’s son, Nawaz’s daughter. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujranwalan16thOct?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujranwalan16thOct</a> <a href="https://t.co/DVbLTkBs90">pic.twitter.com/DVbLTkBs90</a></p>— Atika Rehman (@AtikaRehman) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtikaRehman/status/1317146963595436035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Indeed, what a “moment”...

 

[ahmedzee]

The Jalsa already is a failure. It was supposed to be held during the day, but Maryam Safdar delayed it on purpose as she heard the news that they don't hvae enough spectators. So they decided to start when it was night time. As per some Journalist reports the stadium is 25% full. They offered Haleem and Karahi by the gate upon entering but apparently ran out of it in 10 mins.

There was also some fights between JUI workers and PML-N workers during the day, and that is yet another set back for PDM.

Funny how PDM parties call themselves caretaker of democracy, yet they are trying their best to topple a democratic elected govt. Pathetic!

 

[ahmedzee]

Army atrocities?

Its indian media, what do you expect? Who believes the garbage Indian media these days?

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

The Jalsa already is a failure. It was supposed to be held during the day, but Maryam Safdar delayed it on purpose as she heard the news that they don't hvae enough spectators. So they decided to start when it was night time. As per some Journalist reports the stadium is 25% full. They offered Haleem and Karahi by the gate upon entering but apparently ran out of it in 10 mins.

There was also some fights between JUI workers and PML-N workers during the day, and that is yet another set back for PDM.

Funny how PDM parties call themselves caretaker of democracy, yet they are trying their best to topple a democratic elected govt. Pathetic!

Maybe the "25%" attendants only came for Haleem and Karahi

On a serious note, this union of thieves and their children do not want an average Pakistani to be beyond food. They have been buying votes for a bowl of food

It's scary.

 

[Savak]

Successful Jalsa, large turn out. Imran Khan under pressure now

 

[Syed1]

Lmaooo what a flop show

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ur" dir="rtl">سماء نیوز متحدہ اپوزیشن کو آئینہ دکھاتے ہوئے <a href="https://t.co/TrDTZipdL4">pic.twitter.com/TrDTZipdL4</a></p>— Saima Noor (@SaimaNoorPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaimaNoorPTI/status/1317168774122962945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Syed1]

When even journalists on your payroll can't spin it to make it a successful jalsa


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sohail Warraich & Shahzeb Khanzada calling this Opposition Jalsa a failure. We can only imagine how big of a disaster this is in reality, which made even them say this. All this being reported in Geo News. Condolences for Opposition!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%BE%D9%B9_%D9%B9%D9%88%D9%84%DB%81_%D8%A7%D9%86_%DA%AF%D9%88%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%DB%81?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#کرپٹ_ٹولہ_ان_گوجرانوالہ</a> <a href="https://t.co/UQ6nAtrXSv">pic.twitter.com/UQ6nAtrXSv</a></p>— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1317180590337163264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



The awaam showed these corrupt looters their auqaat.

 

[Savak]

According to a journalist, the opposition knows that IK is now going to fully empower NAB via funding, extra accountability courts, prosecutors in the next few months to ensure speedy justice in accountability cases which is why they are getting desperate now.

 

[Nadeemp]

Where was maula diesel?

 

[last_knight]

And there it is. Chants of "Go Nawaz Go" by the speaker

Move on IK, every hope has an expiry date and luckily for Pakistan, this jalsa has shown hope is still alive in shape of IK. He needs to deliver.

 

[cricket87]

When even journalists on your payroll can't spin it to make it a successful jalsa


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sohail Warraich & Shahzeb Khanzada calling this Opposition Jalsa a failure. We can only imagine how big of a disaster this is in reality, which made even them say this. All this being reported in Geo News. Condolences for Opposition!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%BE%D9%B9_%D9%B9%D9%88%D9%84%DB%81_%D8%A7%D9%86_%DA%AF%D9%88%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%DB%81?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#کرپٹ_ٹولہ_ان_گوجرانوالہ</a> <a href="https://t.co/UQ6nAtrXSv">pic.twitter.com/UQ6nAtrXSv</a></p>— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1317180590337163264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



The awaam showed these corrupt looters their auqaat.

PTI official account showing Shazaib, How many time PTI believe Shazaib words?

On serious note: PTI have to control inflation, opposition will fail otherwise people will increase not in favor of opposition but against PTI govt.

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watching Cricket Highlights <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Relaxing?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Relaxing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BechariOpposition?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BechariOpposition</a> <a href="https://t.co/D0HmUW3wu4">pic.twitter.com/D0HmUW3wu4</a></p>— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) <a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry/status/1317195937807241216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Favourite of khoni Liberals, the guy who not so long ago was chairing parliamentary committee regarding harassment/abuse of women journalists does a below the belt attack on First Lady. A lady who has never involved herself in any form of Politics. Shameful <a href="https://t.co/OEXNH0ZeTm">pic.twitter.com/OEXNH0ZeTm</a></p>— Jhanzaib Bey (@Jhanzaib_S) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jhanzaib_S/status/1317193541106454529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Par for the course!

 

[MenInG]

GUJRANWALA: The 11-party Pakistan Demo*cratic Movement (PDM) sounded the war drums and vowed a dislodging of the government inside weeks during an impressive show of strength in Gujranwala on Friday.

The PDM leaders declared the first public meeting of the opposition protest campaign as a public referendum against the “selected and incapable” Imran Khan government.

The rally was addressed by the PDM top tier including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Maryam Nawaz, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Mahmood Achakzai and many others. It was the focus of attention of not just Pakistani stakeholders but also interested foreign observers since it was to set the tone for the entire opposition campaign.

It was expected to be a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz show since Gujran*wala is a party stronghold. True to the billing, it was Mian Nawaz Sharif who provided the fireworks at the rally with his speech relayed directly from London.

Mr Sharif reiterated his resolve to change the system, and target those who operated from behind the curtains. He alleged that the establishment had ended his government. Later, the general elections were rigged and the ‘incompetent’ Khan was imposed on the nation, he said. They would have to answer for all this, he remarked. He was less symbolic, more frank and visibly angry in his expression. He also talked about inflation and other issues the average Pakistani is faced with, but his real theme was the release of civilian rulers from the alleged bondage.

His daughter was comparatively more controlled and composed in her address, beholden perhaps to her responsibility as the leader in charge of the League.

Ms Nawaz took Prime Minister Imran Khan to task over his policies. She spoke to a jam-packed Jinnah Stadium that prompted calls from stage for Information Minister Shibli Fraz to resign as he had given challenge to the opposition to fill the stadium.

Also speaking in Punjabi, the PML-N leader said Imran Niazi would not be given NRO. “Imran Niazi... you want to go on your own or the people throw you out. Now you will not get shelter in any shelter house,” she remarked.

She said these people called the Sharif family Sicilian mafia but in actual they were the mafia who made profits on sugar and flour. “Imran had imposed curbs on media and once it would be free his corruption stories would come out,” she said, adding that public mandate must be respected.

She also questioned why no one was ready to even question Asim Bajwa about his companies. “This corrupt man has the important slot of CPEC,” she remarked.

The Pakistan Peoples Party chairman said Imran Khan had only one solution to all the problems of this nation and that was his ‘tiger’ force. “This man has broken all records of corruption. The PTI’s own founding member revealed that Israel and India had funded the Imran Khan’s party but no one was willing to look into this allegation,” he said.

Mr Bhutto-Zardari said this incompetent Niazi could not unite the Muslim world on Kashmir, as he had attempted to sell it to Modi. “Puppet and selected Niazi will remain silent but we will not be quiet on the issue of Kashmir,” he said.

Chiding Mr Khan for calling himself ‘democracy’, the PPP chairman said: “I tell you, Imran Niazi, that you are but a puppet and selected.” He said the selectors would have to realize this pattern of making government of puppets. “In Karachi on Oct 18 we will throw a challenge to the selected and the selectors,” the PPP leader remarked.

Maulana Fazl, who arrived late at the venue, said the tiding sea of people in Gujranwala would oust the ‘fake’ government. “In coming days the fake rulers will meet their fate,” he said, declaring that the PTI government would not see coming December. “By the will of Allah this government will not see this December,” the Maulana said.

He said why they were asked not to take the selector’s name. They would be exposed, because they attempted to “slaughter democracy” in public and imposed a puppet against the wishes of the people.

Earlier, the government ministers in TV shows declared it a failed show. They said it was a small crowd, considering that it was with the collective effort of no less than 11 political parties that the people gathered in Gujranwala.

As debate about the numbers continued, there was no mistaking what chants were all about. The stadium echoed with the loud slogans of ‘Go’ every time a speaker took the rostrum.

The leadership of all the mainstream opposition parties, Jamiat Uleman-i-Islam (JUI-F) president Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PML-N’s Maryam Nawaz and PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari arrived Gujranwala late evening after spending several hours on road. Both the Maulana and Maryam-led rallies came from Lahore while Bilawal came along with jiyalas from Lala Musa, Gujrat.

Former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi asked Imran Khan to tell the people gathered here why electricity, gas and flour, sugar prices increased manifold. “Our narrative is to give respect to the ballot...whosoever has the people’s mandate should be allowed to serve them,” he said.

Balochistan Awami Party’s Abdul Malik and ANP’s Mian Iftikhar, Mahmood Achakzai and Javed Hashmi also spoke.

While speaking at a press conference at Lala Musa, the PPP chairman passed remarks indicating the difficulties the alliance could face in keeping in view the difference of opinion between parties within on various issues.

Mr Bhutto-Zardari hinted that his party was not in favour of resigning from the assemblies. “We can go for an in-house change,” he said when a journalist asked him whom did the PDM want to negotiate with over the question of dislodging the Imran government.

Earlier, PMLN’s Khawaja Asif had categorically declared the PML-N lawmakers would resign before the Senate polls in March 2021.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2020



https://www.dawn.com/news/1585461/selected-pti-govt-to-be-sent-packing-in-weeks-pdm

 

[MenInG]

After the Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) first power show in Gujranwala, the government reacted to the protest demonstration by hitting back at Opposition leaders on Friday.

PML-N vice-president Maryam Nawaz, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman were present at the jalsa, while people intermittently chanted slogans "Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif" and "go, Niazi, go!"

Reacting to the protest, Federal Minister on Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz said that the meeting in Gujranwala and the formation of the PDM is proof that only Prime Minister Imran Khan is standing tall against the status quo.

“Imran Khan and the people are on one side and the corrupt mafia is on the other side,” the minister wrote on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the minister on Science and technology took a jibe at the new alliance of opposition political parties sharing a picture of him along with other PTI ministers watching a cricket match as the opposition chanted slogans and protested against the PTI-led government.

"Watching Cricket Highlights #Relaxing #BechariOpposition," the minister said in a tweet.

Terming the speeches and accusations made by opposition leaders at the rally as "new low and classlessness", the premier's aide on Overseas Pakistan and Human Resource Development Zulfi Bukhari chastised PPP Chairman Bilawal for what he referred to as the Bhutto scion's "filthy attacks" during the PDM jalsa.

"Don’t blame Bilawal... if his parents didn’t make money off massive corruption he’d still be selling tickets like daddy at a cinema today. That’s the lineage he’s shown today with all his lies & filthy attacks," the minister lambasted in a tweet.

Similarly, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Ali Zaidi shared a video clip from Bilawal's address as he criticised the PPP leader.

Federal minister Zartaj Gul Wazir tweeted a picture of PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto, referring to him as a 'pygmy'.

Calling out the PPP chairman for his accusations and his "harsh language", the special assistant to the prime minister on political communication said: "The vulgar language used by Bilawal today has [proved] that if 10% of the people will raise children, then those children will grow up and will speak such filthy things about the women of the country".

"Bilawal has revealed his true nature. As well as the 'lifafas' that call him liberal," he said in a tweet.

The Opposition parties' Pakistan Democratic Movement staged its first mass contact campaign in Gujranwala on Friday as a show of strength against the incumbent PTI government which they say has "failed the people in all sectors".

The alliance was given permission to hold the rally on Thursday by the government after the Gujranwala District Administration and the PDM reached a 28-point agreement on how the jalsa would be held.