The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) - an opposition alliance against the government - has finalized the preparations for the much-hyped Lahore rally to be held today at Greater Iqbal Park despite a governmental ban on public gatherings of more than 300 people due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.

According to the details, A large stage has been set up on the steps of Minar-e-Pakistan for the leaders while chairs have been set up on the ground. PML-N leaders Marriyum Aurangzeb and Attaullah Tarar, along with other members, inspected the arrangements.

The police have issued a security alert against a possible terrorist attack. To ensure the safety of the participants, the bomb disposal squad has also examined the venue.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers, on Saturday, barged into Lahore’s Greater Iqbal Park after breaking its lock to set up the stage for the Jalsa to set up the stage after Lahore's local administration had denied PDM's application to hold the gathering.

According to the details, Lahore's deputy commissioner, on Friday, had turned down an application submitted by PML-N to hold the gathering on Minar-e-Pakistan's grounds. In a letter to the PDM, the deputy commissioner said that the government has imposed a ban on public gatherings of more than 300 people due to rapidly spreading coronavirus. He said permission can not be granted to the PDM because the COVID-19 positivity rate in Lahore has already shot up to 7.8 percent.

PML-N's vice president Maryam Nawaz visited the Jalsa ground on Saturday night after PDM workers took charge.

Maryam Nawaz appeals to attendees to wear masks:

Maryam Nawaz, on Sunday, asked participants of the Lahore rally to wear a mask during the Jalsa and follow COVID-19 SOPs.

Taking to Twitter, Maryam asked her followers to take precautions during the Jalsa. In a tweet, she said:

"Dear All, as responsible citizens, please remember to wear a mask for your own safety & that of your dear ones, at all times, before, during & after what is going to Insha’Allah a historic jalsa. Thank You."

Legal action to be taken against opposition parties, says Buzdar:

The Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, on Sunday, warned that legal action will be taken against Pakistan Democratic Movement for holding rallies despite a surge in COVID-19 cases.

The CM took to Twitter to express displeasure over the opposition gathering. In a tweet, he said:

"Opposition leaders have erected corruption tower during the last 40 years and today they are trying to gather at sacred Minar-e-Pakistan. Their only objective is to get NRO and they are playing with the lives of people to save themselves. Legal action will be taken against them for spreading coronavirus through rallies and Jalsa."

Security threat in Lahore:

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and security forces have issued a high alert citing that India is once again planning a false flag operation against Pakistan to divert international attention from the ongoing farmers protest, New Delhi’s atrocities in Indian Illegal Occupied Jammu, and Kashmir (IIOJK), and the Khalistan movement.

The CTD has recently foiled a terrorist plan to hit sensitive buildings in Lahore after five alleged Afghan terrorists were arrested during a search operation in Shahdara, Lahore.