OKARA, Nov 13: A hoax that two bombs were planted at two different places triggered panic here at around 8pm on Tuesday which the PPP leaders said was an attempt to thwart their long march.

The caravan of PPP workers’ long march to Islamabad was scheduled to touch the city limits during its onward journey to Faisalabad at the same time when the rumour surfaced, alarming the citizens and the police. Reacting to the rumour that a bomb had been planted in Gol Chowk and another near the Press Club, DPO Mirza Faran Baig and a large contingent of the police rushed to the scenes. Meanwhile, the bomb disposal squad and ambulances were also called.

Later, the bomb disposal squad and the police personnel cleared both the places after conducting a thorough search.

However, ambulances and fire-brigade vehicles were parked near Gol Chowk and Press Club till the filing of this report at 11pm. Police contingents were also present.

A police officer told Dawn that they were still uncertain about the arrival or presence of Punjab PPP President Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the city and would remain there till the confirmation of his presence or otherwise.

While talking to Dawn by phone, Mr Qureshi said that the bomb hoax was a failure of government and law-enforcers. He feared that the police might have spread the rumour to frustrate PPP workers so that they should desist from participating in their long march.

The DPO said the bomb hoax was meant to divert police attention from stopping the PPP long march. He said police received five hoax calls and the callers identity was being traced.