PDM leaders, workers reaching ECP office to record their protest

ISLAMABAD: The leaders and the workers of opposition parties united under the banner of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) have started to gather outside the Election Commission Office (ECP) to record their protest against the delay in the foreign funding case.

The central rally of the Pakistan People’s Party reached the ECP office under the leadership of former Senate chairman Nayyar Hussain Bukhari and deputy speaker NA, Faisal Karim Kundi.

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Rana Sanaullah and Marriyum Aurangzeb led the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz rally.

Strict security arrangements have been put in place ahead of the PDM’s protest. The ECP members and staff were directed to use alternatives routes to reach the office safely. Furthermore, the staff was advised not to bring their vehicles and motorcycles, said sources.

Earlier today, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed called on Prime Minister Imran Khan to apprise him about the security arrangements made ahead of the PDM protest. On the occasion, PM Imran Khan directed the minister not to stop peaceful workers from the protest.

On Sunday, Rasheed had chaired a meeting to mull over the strategy aimed at dealing with the protest of the PDM outside the ECP office in Islamabad.

Read more: Traffic plan issued ahead of PDM’s protest outside ECP office

According to sources the PTI-led government had decided to deploy 1,000 security personnel for the protest.

“The red zone would remain a container-free zone and the PDM would not be allowed to setup a stage for their protest,” sources had said adding that it was further suggested that the opposition should not be allowed to bring tents and loudspeakers with them.

The Islamabad traffic police have also issued a traffic plan to facilitates commuters during PDM’s protest in the federal capital.