Zardari invites Fazl to attend Dec 27 Garhi Khuda Bakhsh rally

The senior opposition politicians discuss PDM's anti-government campaign, overall political situation

KARACHI:

Former president Asif Ali Zardari invited on Thursday Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam - Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to attend the December 27 rally commemorating the death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh.

In a telephonic conversation, the two discussed the overall political situation in the country and the Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) anti-government campaign, the second phase of which was launched a day ago with a rally in Mardan.

The JUI-F chief, also the PDM president, while speaking at the rally, said, “We will get rid of this government soon. We have to prepare for the Islamabad long march.”

Fazl, who had announced a PDM long march on Islamabad in February if the government did not resign by January 31, hinted at an “extended sit-in” in the federal capital, saying: “We will not rest until this government is removed from power,” adding: “We have to purge Pakistan “of these people.”

Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz is also to attend the December 27 rally; she is expected to reach Sukkur on December 26. 

In a meeting held to finalise arrangements for the rally, on December 24, the Sindh IGP and divisional and district administration of Larkana directed to ensure foolproof security for the public event.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stalwarts Nisar Khuhro, Sohail Siyal and Jameel Soomro briefed Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah over arrangements made to ensure provision of clean drinking water and clean washroom facilities. Besides, they discussed parking lot arrangements and lighting and sound system for the rally.

Walk-through gates were decided to be installed at seven entry and exit points of the rally. Moreover, Shah issued directives to make coronavirus-related arrangements for the event and said that he would personally visit and review the arrangements.