PML-N seeks permission for Oct 21 rally

Using helicopter to transport Nawaz to venue not the sole travel arrangement option, claims former MPA

LAHORE:

Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) has finally moved to make a formal request to acquire permission for a venue for a total of six days.

The party, however, failed to include in its request a landing pad for a helicopter, according to an official source from the Deputy Commissioner Lahore. On the contrary, party sources have refuted this claim.

Former MPA Bilal Yasin, speaking to The Express Tribune, stated that a letter was submitted to the DC Office Lahore on Thursday, seeking permission for a rally scheduled for October 21. He added that the PML-N requested to have partial control of a section of the ground starting from October 15 to make necessary arrangements for the event.

The DC Office Lahore has also confirmed the submission of a letter, but stated that it does not include a request for a landing pad.

Bilal, when questioned about this, mentioned that discussions have taken place with DC Lahore Rafi Haider. However, due to security concerns, he cannot disclose the details to the media.

Another intriguing claim made by the DC source was that Mr Yasin had actually left the office without delivering the permission letter to the officials. This subsequently led to him being contacted later on to hand over the letter – again, a claim refuted by the party.

The former MPA denied the claim, stating that the letter was indeed submitted on October 13, the way day of the meeting. He said that he had indeed handed over the letter during the first meeting,

Asked about the expected change in Nawaz Sharif's arrival time and the motive behind the change, as well as the alternate travel arrangements in case of unforeseen circumstances, he explained that there were several contingency plans in place, one of which involved travelling by road using various different routes.

Given the stature of his leader, all security precautions were being exercised, he emphasised. “What option will be availed that day, will be decided sometime prior to his arrival.”

In relation to the legal strategy and the possibility of Nawaz Sharif seeking a protective bail from a high court, he stated that the legal team has developed a plan of action and also hinted that securing bail for the former prime minister would not necessarily require his physical presence and could be obtained a day before his arrival.

On the other hand, the DC Office said that the matter will be presented to the district intelligence committee, most likely on Saturday, where the final decision will be made.

The source mentioned that PTI was also granted four days of permission, so the number of days would not be a determining factor. He further suggested that approval was likely to be given.

Meanwhile, contrary to previous statements made by PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah, reports were circulating on Friday revealing a change in the landing time. Instead of touching down at six o'clock as initially claimed, Nawaz will now arrive at noon on a chartered plane from the UAE, where he will be spending a few days before setting sail for home.
The federal government has been formally requested to grant permission for this special chartered flight.