FAISALABAD, Aug 12: Political parties are reportedly gearing up to hold rallies and public meetings after the indications that ban on activities will be lifted on Aug 14.

Major political parties, including the PPP (Parliamentarians), the PML(QA), the PML(N), the Millat Party, the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal and the Pakistan Awami Tehrik, on Monday announced to hold public meetings at Clock Tower intersection on Aug 14.

The aspiring candidates have been directed by their respective party leaders to ensure their participation in meetings.

Political pundits are of the view that Aug 14 rallies would play a pivotal role in regrouping and reactivating party workers and leaders.

Ironically, the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) component parties have not been allowed by the government to hold public meeting for the last two months in any open place despite seeking permission.

When contacted, PML(N) former MPA Rana Sanaullah Khan said maximum efforts would be made to gather party workers and leaders on Aug 14.

Meanwhile, the PML(N) at 10am, the PPP (Parliamentarians) will hold its rally at 12 noon, the PML(QA) at 3pm, and the Millat Party at 4 pm.

Law enforcement agencies have made tight security arrangements on Aug 14 following recent terrorist attacks in some parts of the province. Plainclothesmen will be deputed along the routes of processions, commercial centres, public places, parks and hotels to avoid any untoward incident.

Meanwhile, with only 69 days left in elections, political and religious parties have not yet decided candidates for national and provincial assembly seats.

Though a large number of candidates have applied for tickets of major political parties —- the PPP, the PML-N, the PML-QA, the MMA and the PAT —- there is no political activity in the district.

Political pundits are of the view that amendments to the basic election law, a number of restrictions including graduation bar are the major reasons for the delay in finalizing candidates. Political parties are still hunting for strong candidates and trying hard to enrol political heavyweights.

The joining of the PML-QA by City Nazim Mumtaz Ali Cheema, Jaranwala Tehsil Nazim Abdul Rehman; Naib Tehsil Nazim City Ilyas Ansari, former PPP MNA Mian Amjad Yaseen, former PML-N MPAs — Talib Husain, Mazhar Ali Gill and Safdar Shakir and a dozen other UCs Nazimeen deals a setback to the PML-N and the PPP.

Active candidates have reportedly started contacting SHOs of police stations concerned to illicit support of the influential in their areas.

Senior police officers and administrative functionaries are reportedly providing all-out support to the candidates of the PML-QA and the Millat Party.

Meddling with internal affairs of government officials is also one factor that kept political parties from announcing candidates.

Meanwhile, local police have set up an election cell to work round-the-clock once election schedule is announced.