The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to hold a major rally in Islamabad today, with extensive preparations underway. The city’s entry and exit points have been sealed, and containers placed at key locations in anticipation of the gathering.
PTI aims to showcase its political strength at the rally, scheduled near the Sangjani area. Party leadership has already inspected the venue, and preparations are complete.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar assured that the rally will be peaceful and won’t involve a long march or sit-in. He confirmed the rally has begun, with the participation of allied parties.
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, alleged that a new No Objection Certificate (NOC) has been issued, potentially hindering the event. He urged party members to reach the venue by any means necessary.
Former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi vowed that the rally would proceed despite any obstacles. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister instructed provincial assembly members to bring 1,000 supporters each. The district administration has also issued a route plan for attendees.
In response, Islamabad’s district administration has placed the area on high security alert, deploying containers to maintain order.
All entry and exit points to Islamabad’s Red Zone have been sealed off, allowing access only through Margalla Road for authorized individuals.
Containers have blocked the GT Road in both directions at Sangjani and closed the motorway’s entry to Islamabad at the 26th toll plaza.
Additionally, containers at the Khanh Pul area on the expressway have caused severe traffic jams on the Islamabad-Rawat route, which is now fully closed.
Murree Road is blocked at Faizabad, with the route from Rawat T-Chowk to Rawalpindi also sealed off, and Faizabad interchange completely shut down.
Containers have also been deployed at the Attock Khurd police checkpoint on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Punjab border.
Barrister Saif, an advisor to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, expressed concern that the government might revoke the NOC before the rally. He emphasized the party’s resolve to proceed, even if obstacles arise.
