PML-N struggles to muster support for ‘black day’

CM says people have rejected opposition’s protect call

LAHORE: Not much enthusiasm was seen in the city despite the entire anti-government alliance mustering in support to put up a big display in provincial metropolis for the ‘black day’ call to protest against the alleged rigging in general elections, till the first half of the day.

No conveys of cars and motorcycle patrolling the city to build up the hype, no streamers and banners to bring to let the people know that all anti-government alliance was on the same page, were seen in the metropolis. The arrangements of the protest in Lahore were led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). PML-N was expected to put up a big display for the black day with the additional support of Pakistan People Party, JUIF and ANF, but build up casted shadows of doubt over the success of the event.

Opposition shows strength in street numbers

PML-N leader and former provincial minister Rana Mashud along with a few dozen workers tried to establish a stage but failed due to continuous intervention from police. With no stage at Faisal Chowk Mall Road, the only mobile stage PML-N had was the truck travelling with PML-N convey. PML-N leaders, on the other hand, seemed confident that they would be to reach Mall Road Faisal Chowk with their mobile stage.

Earlier in the day, a convoy of PMLN workers was also stopped at Ring Road according to PMLN leaders. Even road leading to 180 H PMLN Secretariat was blocked for workers. Speaking at PML-N Secretariat, Shehbaz Sharif briefly addressed workers.

PML-N undeterred in the face of govt repression: Iqbal

He appealed to the people to get out of their homes to protest against this government that had stolen the mandate of the people. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said opposition parties are celebrating black day not against the government but in the memory of their misdeeds. “People of Pakistan have broken idols of corruption by casting vote against them and wrote a new political history of the country on July 25, 2018,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2019.