LAHORE, May 6: The Punjab PML-N has sent invitations to various political parties for participation in the welcome programme for Mian Shahbaz Sharif. Interestingly, the ruling PML-Q has also been sent the invitation.

Other parties and groups that have been invited to the programme include the PPP, Jamaat-i-Islami, JUI-F, Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith, PDP, JUP-Fazl Karim, JUP-Noorani, Tehrik Islami, Pukhtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party, Awami Qiadat Party, PML-Qayyum, Islamic Democratic Front, Pakistan Shia Political Party, Istaqlal Party, Balochistan National Party, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Wifaqul Madarisal Arabia and Tanzeemal Madaris Pakistan.

Meanwhile, provincial secretary-general Khwaja Saad Rafiq alleged that around 500 party activists or their relatives had been arrested by police in the Punjab during the last six day.

He said neither any case was registered against the arrested activists nor the raiding teams produced search warrants before forcibly entering their houses.

He also alleged that written guarantees were being collected from transporters that they would not provide vehicles for the caravans going to the Lahore airport to receive Mr Sharif on May 11.