Caravans and processions of PML-N workers and supporters from the length and breadth of the country have started converging in Lahore to welcome their leader Nawaz Sharif, who is on his way back to Pakistan after four years.
Caravans comprising numerous buses and cars are heading towards the Lahore Toll Plaza from the motorway chowk.
The Lahore administration has completed arrangements, security and monitoring for the PML-N rally at the Minar-e-Pakistan. Officials of the police, Rescue 1122, WASA, Civil Defence, LWMC and others have been deputed.
Mobile health units have been stationed at the entry points to the venue, while 50 cameras have been installed besides the Safe Cities camras.
Rawalpindi
A massive rally from Rawalpindi, led by provincial assembly candidate Naeem Ijaz, has entered Lahore. The rally comprises hundreds of big and small cars and several PML-N charged workers.
A complete plan has also been prepared for aerial floral shower on Nawaz Sharif upon him reaching Lahore. Permission has been obtained from the aviation authorities in this regard.
Rahim Yar Khan
In Rahim Yar Khan, PML-N workers and supporters raised pro-Nawaz slogans before leaving for Lahore. They decorated buses and cars with PML-N flags and Nawaz Sharif’s pictures. The Rahim Yar Khan rally comprises 21 buses that were first scheduled to travel to Multan. They will be joined by caravans from adjoining districts.
KP
From Peshawar, a huge rally, led by PML-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Amir Muqam, travelled to Lahore from the Peshawar Motorway. They were joined by groups from Mardan and Malakand Division, while the ones from Hazara Division will join the main rally at Burhan Interchange. The caravans from Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan will join the main procession at Islamabad Interchange.
From Khyber district, former MNA Shah Jee Gul is leading a procession to Lahore. The procession participants are raising slogans on the way, while before their departure, goats were offered as a sacrifice.
The rally from Hazara Division is being led by Murtaza Abbasi, Sardar Yousaf and Babar Nawaz. From the southern districts, Abbas Afridi, Nasir Kamal and Alamgir are leading their groups.
The PML-N rally from Abbottabad is being led by provincial general secretary Murtaza Javed Abbasi and comprises hundreds of cars.
Gujranwala
Former MPA Taufeeq Butt organized a breakfast for the procession from Gujranwala. Reportedly, qorma, biryani and zarda were prepared for the workers.
Another rally, led by PML-N central leader Ataullah Tarar, is on its way from Gakhar to Lahore. The caravan comprises hundreds of buses and cars. The workers were treated to a feast before leaving.
Faisalabad
In Faisalabad, around 500 small and large buses, led by Rana Sanaullah and Abid Sher Ali, have departed for Lahore to welcome Nawaz Sharif. “Today is our Eid. Prosperity is returning to the country. There are more workers than cars,” Abid Sher Ali said.
AJK
Former senior ministers Tariq Farooq and Waqar Ahmed are leading respective processions from Samahni and Barnala areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
A procession led by former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is also en route to Lahore from Murree.
Khushab
The procession from Khushab was showered with rose petals on its way to Lahore. Before their departure, the workers also danced to the drumbeat. Former minister Sumera Malik said Khushab is a fort of the PML-N and Pakistan’s bright future is about to begin.
Nankana Sahib
A procession of PML-N workers from Nankana Sahib, led by former MNA Dr Shazra Mansab, is on its way to Lahore. The procession also comprises former MPAs and several party workers. The Sikh community is also part of the procession, being led by PML-N Minority Wing Punjab Vice President Sardar Surjeet Singh Kanwal.
The workers chanted slogans of ‘Nawaz Sharif ko lana hai, Pakistan bachana hai’. They remarked that only Nawaz Sharif can end inflation from the country. Dr Shazra said only Nawaz could guarantee the prosperity of the country.
Similar convoys of party workers are on their way to Lahore from Sahiwal, Jhang, Khanewal, Gujrat, Sialkot, Ferozewala, Chiniot, Swabi, Mansehra, Shakargarh, and many other cities of the country.