November 29, 2006	Wednesday	Ziqa'ad 7, 1427

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FAISALABAD, Nov 28: The Pakistan People’s Party is all set to organise a gathering in Mahmoodabad within fences on Wednesday (today). The PPP has taken this step to escape official wrath as holding of public gatherings, rallies and meetings in the open places has been banned by the government.

Earlier, the district nazim refused the PPP permission to hold a gathering in Mahmoodabad where PPP Punjab president Shah Mahmood Qureshi, secretary-general Ghulam Abbas, former National Assembly speaker Yousaf Raza Gilani, former Punjab governor Ghulam Mustafa Khar and former federal minister Khalid Kharal are expected to address.

The sources said that the DCO told the PPP leadership that the district administration had fixed Iqbal Park for such activities.

He reportedly said the venue selected by the PPP had a number of factories and the meeting might disturb law and order.

The PPP leadership refused to hold a gathering in the park. It said the administration had in the past disturbed meetings of opposition parties by watering the park.

The PPP leaders also met nazim Zahid Tauseef who said the home secretary had the powers to allow them a meeting at Mahmoodabad.

The sources said some district administration officers had advised the PPP organisers to build temporary fences at Mahmoodabad to hold a gathering.

The organisers followed the advice and got permission for the gathering.

The PPP for the participation of maximum number of activists in the meeting has asked all union council office-bearers to do their utmost to make it a success.