PML-N barred from holding rallies in Lahore on Nawaz, Maryam homecoming

A notification says assemblies, gathering, sit-ins, rallies, processions and demonstrations have been prohibited

The administration of Lahore on Thursday advised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership to abstain from holding public gatherings in the metropolis.

The party has planned to hold rallies in the city to welcome the deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam following the Avenfield verdict.

"The government of Punjab has prohibited holding of assemblies, gathering, sit-ins, rallies processions and demonstrations throughout the province in the large public interest, except those gatherings which are held in secured, walled premises and duly allowed by the concerned deputy commissioner," read the notification.



"It is evident that your political party has not applied for permission to hold rallies."

"Moreover, in view of serious security threats specifically mentioning names of the senior leadership of your party," it added. Therefore, it maintained, it is not advisable to hold a rally on July 13.





Meanwhile, Lahore police advised closing down the Ring Road in view of imminent law and order situation.



Last week, in a verdict which will echo across the political landscape of the country for decades, the accountability court hearing the Avenfield reference sentenced Nawaz to 10-years imprisonment and Maryam to seven years.