LAHORE: PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz departed for Gujranwala, the venue for the PDM rally, saying she was doing so "as a foot soldier” of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif. “I embark on this mission0020as your foot soldier, Nawaz Sharif. I have dedicated myself to your struggle, your mission for Pakistan and its people,” Maryam tweeted as she left her Jati Umra residence in Lahore for Gujranwala’s Jinnah Stadium. The recently-formed Pakistan Democratic Movement has announced to hold a series of protest rallies in major cities in the next couple of months to oust the “selected” government of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Maryam hoped that she returns “triumphant and victorious”. Before her departure, she also held a special prayer. Speaking to supporters outside her residence, Maryam said that they were coming out on the streets today for the rights of 220 million people, and appealed to the people to join her caravan. “Police and administration should get out of the way. We are fighting not only for the people but also for your rights,” she said. She added that the police and administration have taken an oath to abide by the Constitution and law, “not to protect a fake ruler”. Meanwhile, PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, addressing a press conference before his departure from Lahore, said that his caravan will meet Maryam Nawaz’s caravan at some point and they will enter Gujranawala together. Talking to reporters, Fazl said that all Opposition parties were “committed” and there “should be no perception that some political force is looking for any reconciliation or thinking of it”. Lashing out at PM Imran Khan, the PDM chief said that the “situation has changed” with regards to the NRO, claiming that it was the premier who was now seeking an NRO from them. “We are out to remove an unelected parliament,” said the PDM chief, adding that general elections should be held now. According to details, PDM chief Maulana Fazl will lead the JUI-F 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. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto arrived at the residence of Qamar Zaman Kaira in Gujrat on Thursday where he reviewed the arrangements for the rally. Reportedly, he will lead the PPP workers from there to the stadium later in the day.
A 28-point agreement signed with PDM
The opposition alliance was given permission on Thursday after the Gujranwala District Administration and the PDM reached a 28-point agreement on how the jalsa would be held. 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 sanitizers. The organizers will also have to install walk-through gates and sanitizers 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.
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