ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Thrice deposed prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) top leader Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday embarked on an acclaimed historic rally to his hometown Lahore for the first time after he was disqualified by the apex court on charges of holding an Aqama (Work Permit) of United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Meeting the same fate in 2017 as he met in 1993 and 1999, Sharif this time decided to convey his displeasure to masses, contrary to previous democratic fiascos when either he opted not to show his power or go on exile.
This time he is taking on a long journey to Lahore through Grand Trunk (GT) Road where he will address his party workers at different points and brief them on reasons that led him to another incomplete tenure as Prime Minister.
Nawaz Sharif departed for Lahore from Punjab House Islamabad today morning with plans to remain on the road for minimum three days before reaching his destination where an important election in NA-120, the seat fallen vacant after his disqualification, would take place in September.
Amidst tight security after recent Lahore blast, Sharif would be accompanied by hundreds of thousands party workers and supporters from across the country. He would be addressing party workers at different stopovers during his journey.
Around 2500 security personnel have been deployed on his route in federal capital from Punjab House to Faizabad from where he will enter the jurisdiction of Punjab province and rest of time he will be voyaging through different towns and cities of Punjab province.
Thousands of party workers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the stronghold of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) also joined Sharif led by Engineer Amir Muqam while local leadership in twin cities also pulled large number of party workers for a gracious send off to their leader.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the rally with deployment of 2500 security personnel deployed in federal capital, 600 from Missa Kaswal to Jhelum River on G T Road other than deployment at different places on his route to Lahore.
Moreover, 1200 personnel and commandoes have been deployed for security of the rally. As many as 33 ambulances and nine fire brigade vehicles are accompanying the rally while more than 6000 personnel have been deployed along G T Road for security of rally.
People had started reaching twin cities and Punjab House from early in the morning carrying banners, posters and play cards bearing slogans and photographs of their leadership. Party workers have set up reception camps along GT Road to accord warm welcome to their leader. Caravans also reached from Azad Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Attock and other areas adjoining to twin cities.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Cabinet members of the PML-N, party leaders and large number of workers and supporters also arrived Punjab House for a warm send off to Nawaz Sharif.
The rally departed from Punjab House around 1130 hours with special prayers and best wishes for success of a quest for democracy, masses welfare and a strong Pakistan.
Source: APP/DND
