#PDMSpreadingCOVID trends on Twitter as opposition alliance holds rally in Peshawar

The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) is all set to hold its fourth power show in Peshawar today, despite being refused permission. Amid fears of rising coronavirus cases in the city, the local administration in the provincial capital had denied permission ahead of the rally on November 20th.

The deputy commissioner, citing his reasons to refuse permission, in a statement said Covid-19 positivity rate has exceeded 13 per cent in Peshawar district - which is “alarmingly high”. Any large public gathering is likely to increase the spread of the deadly virus, he added.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also took to the micro-blogging site Twitter to highlight the intensity of what is being dubbed as the second wave of the pandemic.

In a series of tweets, the premier also said that the opposition alliance’s “only goal is NRO at whatever cost to the lives of people & the country's economy."

With Pakistan reporting over 1000 cases daily as the virus surge, social media is calling out PDM and its leaders for spreading coronavirus. With the PDM setting stage to welcome Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz, among other leaders, in Peshawar to address the jalsa, #PDMSpreadingCOVID is trending on Twitter.

Jalsa Over Health:

Twitteratis call out political leaders' apathy and ask the real question: whether the 'jalsa' is more important than their lives...

Government’s Lack of Strict Actions:

Some are also demanding questions from the government for a lack of strict actions against the PDM:

As the PDM leaders ignore government orders and the impending threat large gatherings can have, people are requesting the attendees to avoid going to the jalsa today, November 22, in Peshawar: