The Lahore district administration has turned down the PML-N request seeking permission for holding a public gathering on December 13.

The main opposition party, PML-N, made the request for a public meeting – part of the Pakistan Democratic Movement – at Greater Iqbal Park.

Rejecting the request, the deputy commissioner said such an event could not be allowed in wake of the second wave of Covid-19. However, the DC said the provincial government will decide whether to give permission or not.

The PML-N made the request a day after the PDM held its fifth public meeting in Multan where JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman announced the next meeting venue telling his followers to be ready for the next rally in Lahore.

PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz also came hard on the government for telling the opposition to put off the meetings due to rising cases of Covid-19. On the other hand, Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan said the government is not stopping the opposition from holding gatherings but don't trample over SOPs and court decisions. 

Experts warned that the second wave of Covid-19 would be more lethal than the first one. The National Command and Operations Centre, which is overseeing the situation and response to the virus,  warned that if the virus spread is not curbed, Pakistan would face the same situation it faced in June unless public changes its attitude.