lahore   -  Component parties of the Pakistan Democratic Alliance (PDM) Friday took out rallies in different cities of Punjab to protest against the issue of inflation.

In this connection, a major protest was held in Lahore at Jain Mandar where senior leaders of the PML-N addressed the gathering. The Lahore gathering was dominated by the PML-N workers who gathered at the venue from different parts of the city in the form of processions. Chanting slogans against the government, the protesters also burnt the utility bills to give vent to their anger over the recent hike in prices of electricity, gas and petroleum products.

Senior PML-N leaders including Khawaja Saad Rafique and Sardar Ayyaz Sadiq addressed the rally.

Saad Rafique in his speech castigated the government for the rising inflation, unemployment, and lawlessness. He said that people were dying of hunger and committing suicides while cursing the government. Predicting another wave of inflation following the alleged failure of talks with the IMF, the PML-N leader said that the things had not deteriorated overnight.

Saad castigated the prime minister who, according to him, did not fulfil the promises made to the people. “He lied to the people and destroyed the country,” he said, adding that the prime minister was not capable of doing anything.

Protests were also held in Kasur, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur, Kasur, Mianwali, Jhang, Murree, Hafizabad, Vehari, Khanewal and other cities after Friday prayers.