LAHORE: In a bid to thwart Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan on Saturday (tonight), the caretaker government of Punjab started placing dozens of shipping containers and trucks to block off major roads including entry and exit points to Punjab’s provincial capital.
According to details, the two main entry and exit points to the Minar-e-Pakistan, Ravi Bridge and Thokar Niaz Baig, have been blocked off by police barricades.
Commuters who are travelling to their employment and other regular activities have encountered obstacles as a result of the steps taken to prevent the political gathering.
In a Tweet, City Traffic Police Lahore said the following roads are closed for traffic.
درج ذیل سڑکیں ٹریفک کے لیے بند ہیں.براہ کرم متبادل راستے اختیار کریں اور 15 پر کال کریں یا مدد کے لیے اپنے موبائل پر RASTA APP ڈاؤن لوڈ کریں۔#ctplahore #services pic.twitter.com/SyCEUUXHpm
— City Traffic Police Lahore (@ctplahore) March 25, 2023
“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.
Meanwhile, PTI chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged judiciary to take notice of the constitutional violations by postponing the general elections.
Also read: Punjab police continue crackdown against PTI workers
While addressing PTI workers and supporters via video link today, Imran Khan asked judges to take notice of the constitutional violations. He said that the rulers will not stop from committing constitutional violations if no action was taken against their first violation.
Earlier today, the former premier called on his supporters to “assert their right as people of a free nation” by attending the rally.
He added that the PTI would be holding its sixth public gathering at Minar-i-Pakistan, which he felt would “break all records”.
Tonight will be our 6th jalsa at Minar i Pakistan & 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 & how we will pull Pak out of the mess cabal of crooks have put our country in.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 25, 2023