LAHORE: The PML-N has revised its tit-far-tat strategy to tackle PTI’s Sept 30 rally by deferring the scheduled address by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Sangla Hill the same day.

“The move is part of the ruling party’s policy to lower political temperature by giving a free hand to PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the wake of ongoing tension between India and Pakistan,” a source in the PML-N camp told Dawn on Wednesday.

“Nawaz Sharif who just returned home after the US visit where he addressed the session of United Nations General Assembly did not find it appropriate to address a rally the day PTI is showing its street power (to force him to present himself and his children for accountability in the Panama papers scandal,” he said.

Earlier, the premier had consented to address the rally in Sangla Hill on the occasion of inauguration of an interchange and laying the foundation stones of Sangla Hill overhead bridge and Shahkot interchange (on Sept 30).

The source said some hawks in the PML-N were of the view that the premier should hold a rally the day PTI is marching towards the premier’s residence and talk about its economic achievements and Kashmir thus giving a befitting reply to Imran Khan on the same day.

Punjab parliamentary secretary information and culture Rana Muhammad Arshad also confirmed to Dawn that the prime minister’s Sept 30 Sangla Hill visit had been rescheduled. “The prime minister is now likely to visit Sangla Hill early next month,” Mr Arshad said.

Sources said the prime minister had also expressed his displeasure over display of clubs by PML-N workers who warned Imran Khan from marching towards Raiwind. “The PML-N leaders like Zaeem Qadri, Abid Sher Ali, Danial Aziz and Talal Chaudhry who issued harsh statements against PTI’s Raiwind march have been asked by the leadership not to indulge in bickering over the issue till it (march) is concluded,” a PML-N leader said.

Zaeem Qadri, Punjab government’s spokesman, said on Wednesday that the government would not only provide ‘foolproof’ security to the participants of Raiwind march but also ensure that no untoward incident takes place. “We have sat together with the PTI guys and discussed the security plan (of the march) to their satisfaction,” he said.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2016