The provincial government on Wednesday gave permission to the Pakistan Democratic Movement for a public gathering in Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala on October 16.

According to the sources, the Gujranwala administration took the decision during a meeting held with PML-N leaders including former federal minister and MNA Khurram Dastagir, Mehmood Bashir Virk and others. It was decided in the meeting that coronavirus SOPs would be followed during the public rally. The formal announcement is yet to come. Notification is being typed at the deputy commissioner office, said the sources.

After that decision, the PDM has started preparation at Jinnah Stadium. Earlier, the PML-N announced holding rally on the Grand Trunk (GT) Road.

On the other hand, police already started confiscating containers with the bus stations told not to provide any vehicles for the rally. The district administration in Gujranwala had been cracking down on the opposition leaders and workers.

Lahore police also became active to stop the public meeting planned for October 16 in Gujranwala as it has been decided that Jati Umra – the residence of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif – would be sealed, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.

Sources said that no one would be allowed to leave Lahore in a rally as PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz is scheduled to travel to Gujranwala accompanied by supporters who would be joined by many more along the route.