Caravans leave for Musharrafs first public meeting in Islamabad today

Caravans from various Pakistani cities have left for Pakistan capital Islamabad to participate in a public meeting organised by the ruling pakistan Muslim League (Qaumi) today

Islamabad, May 12 : Caravans from various Pakistani cities have left for Pakistan capital Islamabad to participate in a public meeting organised by the ruling pakistan Muslim League (Qaumi) today

President Pervez Musharraf is scheduled to address the meeting, where at least 500,000 activists are expected to gather to show solidarity with him.

The party has told its ministers, MNAs, MPAs and office-bearers that their political future depends on the success of Musharraf's public meeting, reports The News.

Party leaders belonging to the adjoining districts of Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal have been ordered to bring 40,000 to 50,000 participants each, while the leaders of areas next to these districts have been tasked to bring 20,000 to 25,000 participants each.

Leaders of other districts have been directed to bring 10,000 participants each and the party office-bearers have been asked to bear all the expenses.

A 20-metre-long stage has been set up in front of the Aiwan-e-Sadr with seating arrangements for only four persons - President Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, PML President Shujaat Hussain and Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi.

These leaders will be the main speakers of the rally while rest of the party leaders and workers will stand at the venue starting from the Parade Avenue to China Chowk.

The scheduled time of the meeting is 3 p.m. local time.

ANI