PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has geared up for public gathering on Nov 22 (tomorrow), despite the government’s warning viewing spread of COVID-19.

Awami National Party (ANP) central secretary general and Spokesperson for PDM Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said that the public gathering would be held, come what may, on Nov 22. Provincial Coordinator of PDM Haji Jalil Khan warned that one rally will be converted into hundreds of gatherings if hurdles were placed in their ways.

“The selected government will be responsible, in case of collision, if an attempt is made to stop the rally,” said Senator Maula Bukhsh Chandio.

The PMD has started preparation to set stages on Dilzak Road and Ring Road in Peshawar. The conglomerate’s management reviewed the preparation.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Labour and Culture Shaukat Yousafzai said that the Pakistan Peoples Party should shun the double standard that it imposed lockdown in Sindh and held rallies in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The PDM should cancel Peshawar rally viewing the alarming number of increase in COVID-19 cases, he said.

“We will not allow anybody to play with lives and properties of people. Will opposition leaders’ children participate in the public gathering or they want to use others’ children only,” he asked.

The minister said that journalist like Saleem Safi, who was a staunch critic of the government, was asking the opposition to cancel the meeting.