The district administration used dozens of shipping containers and trucks to block off major roads including entry and exit points in Punjab’s provincial capital to thwart Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan tonight.
The two main entry and depart routes leading to the Minar-e-Pakistan, Ravi Bridge and Thokar Niaz Baig, have been blocked off by police, according to information.
Commuters who are traveling to their employment and other regular activities have encountered challenges as a result of the steps taken to prevent political gatherings.
In a Tweet, City Traffic Police Lahore said the following roads are closed for traffic.
“Lohay Wali Pulli towards Sabzi Mandi, Lorri Adda towards Sabzi Mandi, R/O Lorri Adda towards Sabzi Mandi ,both sides of old Ravi bridge, both sides of new Ravi bridge, Barkat Pulli towards Shahdara, Masti gate towards Railway Station, Railway Station towards Masti Gate, lk Moria bridge towards Railway Station, Railway Station towards Ik Moria from beneath and flyover, Bohar Wala Chowk, Railway Road, Brendth Road and Hafiz hotel, District Chowk towards Workshop Chowk both sides, Peer Makki U-turn both sides, Retigun chowk towards SSP corner,” it said. The police have asked people to take alternate routes.
Police continue crackdown against PTI workers
Meanwhile, the Punjab police arrested a few activists and local leaders while continuing their campaign of repression against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members.
Mehtab Hussain, a top leader in the PTI and a candidate from PP-158, was not home when Punjab police conducted a raid.
In a raid in Multan, the police detained PTI workers around the area in addition to detaining the son of former MPA Javed Akhtar Ansari.
EX PM Imran Khan’s message
Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, urged his followers on Saturday to “assert their right as people of a free nation” by showing up to the party’s gathering at the Minar-i-Pakistan today, where he plans to present his “vision of Haqeeqi Azadi.”
The PTI leader announced in a tweet today that his party would organize its sixth public event at Minar-i-Pakistan, which he believed would “break all records.”
“My heart tells me it will break all records. I am inviting everyone in Lahore to attend after Tarawih prayers. I will give my vision of Haqeeqi Azadi and how we will pull Pakistan out of the mess cabal of crooks have put our country in,” Imran said.
“Everyone must assert their right as people of a free nation that won its independence and come to Minar-i-Pakistan,” he told his supporters.
According to PTI’s official Twitter account, the rally will begin after Taraveeh prayers at 9pm.
