Peshawar: The opposition's Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on Friday vowed to defy the government ban on its public gathering in Peshawar on Sunday and warned the district administration that use of force to stop the protesting citizens could spark street battles.
While speaking at a joint press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, the representatives of the opposition parties declared that rallies across the country will be held as the PDM planned, until Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is removed, reported Dawn.
This came after the Peshawar deputy commissioner had refused to allow the opposition to hold their rally scheduled for November 22 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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"The COVID-19 positivity rate [in] District Peshawar has presently exceeded 13 per cent, which is alarmingly high and any large public gathering is likely to further increase the spread of the life-threatening virus. The undersigned regrets to inform you that permission for the said event has not been granted," Dawn quoted the Peshawar deputy commissioner, reported Dawn.
Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) central information secretary Dr Nafeesa Shah at a separate presser also warned the government against playing with the emotions of the masses, asking the administration to allow the 11-party opposition alliance to hold its Peshawar rally in a 'peaceful' manner.
Expressing serious concern over the increasing prices of life-saving drugs, food items and other essential commodities, Dr Shah said the existing inflation was the outcome of bad governance.
She further added the government was trying to hide behind the pandemic but warned that it would not find any route to escape.