SAHIWAL: PPP leaders, activists and election ticket holders from Sahiwal, Pakpattan and Okara districts (all in the Sahiwal division) are set to host the participants of the long march, led by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in Sahiwal on March 4.

The marchers will stay overnight in Sahiwal where a public gathering will also be held.

Local PPP leaders said more than 50 welcome camps will be established along GT Road by PPP jiyalas to welcome the chairman’s convoy from Kasowal to Sahiwal bypass. Dawn learnt from sources the PPP chairman’s personal security staff head has twice visited Sahiwal in this connection.

Sahiwal PPP Chaudhry Zaki told Dawn the PPP chairman will enter Sahiwal city via Old GT Road.

“He will be received by party units in Kasowal, Chichawatni, Iqbal Nager, Harappa, and Sahiwal bypass,” Mr Zaki said.

On March 5, the march participants will leave for Lahore. Local PPP leadership will arrange lodging and food for more than 25,000 people.

Zaki said they have booked 350 hotel rooms, two private marquees, three big halls and open space near the Sahiwal bypass for developing camps.

Also, 500 makeshift toilets, bathrooms and dozens of temporary kitchens will be established at the campsite near the bypass. The PPP has sought the istrict government’s permission for the public gathering.

PPP Provincial Information Secretary Shehzad Cheema told Dawn that party leaders have started corner meetings both in urban and rural localities of the Sahiwal division for a grand show in the city.

Dawn learnt from sources on Monday that RPO Dr Moeen Masood, DPO Sadiq Baloch and DC Muhammad Awais Malik visited Pakapttan Chowk on Sahiwal Bypass and Chichawatni city to look into security arrangements along the march route.

District PPP President Zaki Chaudhry also accompanied them.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2022