LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) kick started its power show at Minar-e-Pakistan tonight while former prime minister Imran Khan will address the gathering shortly.

A larger number of supporters of the defiant politicians are present in the ground where Senator Faisal Javed is charging the public. Strict security measures have been taken to avoid any untoward situation as the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has issued threat alert.

Meanwhile, the route of the PTI chief to reach the venue has been kept secret due to security reasons. The former premier will address the public from a bullet proof container.

Reports said internet services have been downed in areas nearby Minar-e-Pakistan.

Earlier in the day, the Punjab government mounted containers in several parts of the city, apparently to stop leaders and workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf from joining the party’s much-touted power show in the provincial capital.

Besides closing several arteries in country’s second-largest city Lahore, the police raided the houses of several PTI leaders and workers and detained scores of activists in the province ahead of the Minar-e-Pakistan rally.

Routes from Data Darbar to Minar-e-Pakistan were closed by placing containers while barriers were mounted near Shah Alam Market Chowk, Lahore Railway Station, Rang Mahal, and Taxali Gate. Shahdara Chowk and Ravi Bridge were also closed by placing containers.