The federal government has stopped police from arresting the top leaders of PML-N, including Maryam Nawaz, before the PDM’s December 13 rally. However, the second-tier leaders and active workers will face detentions and cases, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.

According to sources, the Punjab Police have finalised a strategy to counter the opposition rally and are in consultations with the Centre on the issue.

In the current scenario, the federal government has barred the police to go after the second-tier leaders and activists who are working actively at grass-root level.

Moreover, the lists of cases registered against the PMLN workers have also been sought while the unidentified people would be later nominated in the FIRs.

On the other hand, the police will place barricades and containers at the entry points of Lahore on December 13 to discourage the public participation.

Separately, a judicial magistrate in Lahore granted bail to DJ Butt who was arrested from his office located at Model Town the other day.

DJ Butt, whose real name is Asif Butt, is responsible for arranging sound system for the PDM rallies, including the one planned in Lahore.

Reacting to the news, PML-N MPA Hina Pervaiz Butt congratulated Prime Minister Imran for another humiliation.

https://twitter.com/hinaparvezbutt/status/1336942828807720960 

Earlier in the day, PML-N Spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb told media that “Imran Khan is in competition with DJ Butt, not PDM.”

Blasting the government with a special reference to the arrest of DJ Butt, Marriyum said the country’s prime minister was busy in fighting those supplying chairs and sound system to the opposition.

About the arrest of two local party leaders for making arrangements for Maryam Nawaz’s rally on Thursday, she said the event would be held despite the arrests and intimidation. 

Noting that they are not afraid of arrests and cases, she remarked that they would wear the FIRs as a badge of honour.