RAWALPINDI: Sheikh Rashid Ahmed’s Awami Muslim League (AML) has asked local administration to provide security for public meetings in Rawalpindi, Gujar Khan and Taxila on Friday.

However, the City District Government Rawalpindi (CDGR) has sought a proper application for permission for the rally.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed wanted to hold a rally and public meeting to mobilise people for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s public meeting scheduled on November 30 in Islamabad.

Two meetings had been arranged at Banni and Lal Haveli in Rawalpindi city and another two at Gujar Khan General Bus Stand and Taxila.

Shiekh Rashid Ahmed told Dawn he will be going to each meeting himself. “We wanted to bring rally from Rawalpindi to Islamabad on November 30 and Friday’s public meetings are part of this,” he said.

He said the party had already informed the local administration about plans for the public meeting and providing security at is the responsibility of the administration.

“People are suffering because of inflation and are tired of the present ruling elites. They will join Imran Khan’s sit-in on November 30 to show their support. The government has tried to stop people using different tactics but will continue to fail in its schemes” he said.

District Coordination Officer (DCO) Sajid Zafar Dall said that the CDGR will permit the public meetings but AML should use the proper channel for submitting an application seeking permission.

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2014