In complete contrast to the strategy currently followed by the PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement), the Baloch nationalist parties have suggested that rallies should be held in smaller towns and cities of the province, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to sources, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) and National Party are of the opinion that such public meetings would attract more public support. 

In this connection, they have proposed the cities of Turbat, Gwadar, Loralai and Pishin where they would host these events.

Meanwhile, the PDM Steering Committee – which comprises two members each from the 11 component parties – will deliberate upon the proposal.

It is worth noting that PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz has been following similar strategy through her party’s platform as she addressed rallies in Swat and Mansehra before the PDM gathering in Peshawar on November 22.

She had planned a similar rally in Dipalpur town of Okara on November 24 but the programme was cancelled after the death of her grandmother Begum Shamim Akhtar.

Also, the party held several workers’ conventions in different cities which were addressed by central party leaders like Ahsan Iqbal and Khawaja Saad Rafique. 

On the other hand, the provincial leaders of the opposition alliance are having a meeting at the PML-N secretariat at Model Town in Lahore.

Chaired by PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah, the JUI-F would be represented by its central secretary-general, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri.

The sources say the meeting will finalise arrangements for the planned rally in Lahore besides formulating a strategy to avoid arrests.

And in Multan, a case has been registered against the PDM leaders and workers for organising the November 30 rally under the charges of violating the coronavirus SOPs and violating The Punjab Sound Systems (Regulation) Act.

All the four sons of former premier Yousaf Raza Gillani and several sitting and former lawmakers – including PML-N MNA Abdul Rehman Kanju – area among the 3,000 persons nominated in the FIR.