Preparations for the Pakistan Peoples Party’s rally at Greater Iqbal Park on July 25 have entered the final stages, PPP Lahore President Faisal Mir said. Mir visited the Minar-e-Pakistan venue along with local party leaders and workers to review arrangements for the gathering. Speaking to the media, he thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for allowing the party to hold the rally, saying the decision had promoted democratic traditions. Mir said the chief minister’s principal secretary had informed the party that permission had been granted.

However, he added that the approval had so far been conveyed verbally and written permission was still awaited. He said party workers had arrived at the venue on July 23 and would remain there overnight to complete the preparations. The rally will begin at 8pm on July 25. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will address participants through a video link, while Raja Pervez Ashraf, Hasan Murtaza, Qamar Zaman Kaira and other party leaders will also speak. Mir said a 24-foot-high cake would be cut during the gathering to mark President Asif Ali Zardari’s birthday.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)