LAHORE, Feb 28: The Alliance for Restoration of Democracy decided on Saturday to hold a public meeting at Sahiwal on March 11, instead of March 7 as decided earlier , to enable its local organization to make better arrangements for the new round of anti-government campaign.

The decision to delay the meeting was held at an emergency session of the group's provincial organization under the chairmanship of Qasim Zia.

It was argued by some participants that it would not be advisable for the alliance to hold the meeting according to its original schedule because of the sanctity of Muharram.

The Sahiwal meeting would mark the advent of the second round of ARD's campaign against President Musharraf. It is also aimed at mounting pressure on the rulers to allow exiled former prime ministers Benazir Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Sharif to return home.

A day before the Sahiwal meeting, heads of the ARD components would meet at the residence of Lahore PPP president Mian Misbahur Rehman to discuss the situation.

Qasim Zia, Khwaja Saad Rafiq and others told reporters at a news conference that ARD central leaders would lead processions from Lahore and Multan to Sahiwal. Leaders from the nearby cities would also converge on Sahiwal along with their processions.

They believed that the public meeting would be well attended.

In response to a question, Khwaja Rafiq said that Mian Shahbaz Sharif would be returning to Pakistan during the next few weeks. The final date for his return would be set by the party's central leadership keeping in mind all the relevant factors.

Mr Zia said Benazir Bhutto's decision to return home during the current year was irrevocable. But, he said, it was for the party to decide when she would leave for Pakistan.

In response to a question, the Punjab PPP president said it had not been decided if Ms Bhutto, Mian Nawaz Sharif and Mian Shahbaz should return simultaneously. But at the same time, he hastened to add, the possibility could not be ruled out.

Mr Rafiq said whoever returned home would be accorded a rousing welcome by the ARD.

The participants expressed serious concern over reports of wheat flour shortages in various parts of the country. They also condemned the government for humiliating nuclear scientists who had strengthened country's defence through their research work.

They also slated the relevant authorities for enhancing water rates in Lahore by 40 per cent. At a time when people were facing economic hardships, increase in water charges would add to their miseries.

Those who participated in the meeting included Mian Javed Lateef, Rana Nazur Rehman, Khwaja Izhar, Rana Zulqarnain, Nawaz Gondal, Saifullah Saif, Manzoor Ali Gilani, Pir Naubehar Shah and Nauman Ilyas Batalvi.