Peshawar's deputy commissioner (DC) on Friday refused to grant permission for a public meeting planned by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), citing the rising spread of the novel coronavirus in the district.

The opposition alliance had sought permission to hold a public meeting on Peshawar's Dalazak Road, Ring Road Chowk earlier this month.

A letter issued by the DC's office today noted that the coronavirus positivity rate in Peshawar district had exceeded 13 percent, adding that a public gathering "is likely to further increase the spread of the life-threatening virus".

The letter went on to say that in order to "safeguard human lives [from the] potential spread of Covid-19", the public gathering cannot be allowed to take place.

 Source- https://www.dawn.com/news/1591413/peshawar-admin-refuses-permission-for-upcoming-pdm-rally-citing-increase-in-covid-19-cases