PDM rally caused Rs7.2m damage to Iqbal Park
PDM workers at a rally. PHOTO: EXPRESS/File
The damage to Greater Iqbal Park in Lahore has reportedly been estimated to be around Rs7.2 million after the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s Sunday rally.
The city’s Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has decided to recover the amount for damages from the opposition alliance and has also decided to take action under the Land Revenue Act, 1967. The authority will file FIRs for the damage sustained by the park.
Political workers associated with the PDM reportedly vandalised park infrastructure, including breaking iron fences, locks and gates of the venue.
The opposition claimed the rally was successful in building up momentum for the upcoming march. Prime minister Imran Khan claimed otherwise.
“Pathetic. PDM spent so much money, time, effort & displayed utter callousness by endangering ppl’s lives during COVID19 spike - showing the scant regard they have for citizens’ safety & well-being,” he tweeted after Sunday’s rally.
The opposition said the government was only using the coronavirus as an excuse to break its momentum. Meanwhile, opposition leaders said all the other activity in the country, such as mass transit, shopping plazas, weddings, and even the government’s own gatherings of hundreds, continue.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 16th, 2020.