Several supporters of PTI gathered in Islamabad’s Sangjani on Sunday, but the rally has not yet started despite the expiration of the allotted time. Approximately 20,000 chairs have been arranged for attendants, but the convoys have yet to arrive.

Leaders including Aon Abbas Bupi, Faisal Javed, Seemabia Tahir, Jamshed Dasti, and Aliya Hamza are on stage.

Strict security measures have been implemented, with 29 locations in the city sealed off and various entry and exit routes blocked with containers.

Mobile phone and internet services have been shut down for security at the rally site, causing difficulties for citizens due to the suspension of the Metro Bus service. Reports indicate that explosive materials have also been recovered from the venue.

According to the no objection certificate for the rally, which includes 41 conditions, the event is “scheduled to start at 4pm and conclude by 7pm.” Final arrangements, including the stage and sound system, are in the last stages of preparation.

The PTI aims to demonstrate its political strength through the rally, which is scheduled to take place near the Sangjani area. The party’s leadership has already visited the venue, and preparations are complete.

Rally to be ‘peaceful’: Gohar

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar stated that the rally will be peaceful and will not involve a long march or sit-in. He confirmed that the rally has already begun and that the party’s allies will also participate.

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, alleged that a new No Objection Certificate (NOC) has been issued for the rally, potentially hindering the event. He urged party members to reach the venue by any means possible.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has instructed all members of the provincial assembly to bring 1,000 supporters each. The district administration has also released a route plan for attendees.

Islamabad on High alert

In response to the planned rally, the Islamabad district administration has placed the entire district on high security alert. Containers have been deployed at various locations to maintain peace and order.

All entry and exit points to the Red Zone in Islamabad have been sealed off using containers. Only authorized individuals will be allowed entry through the Margalla Road.

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Containers have been placed at the Sangjani area, blocking the GT Road in both directions. The motorway’s entry point to Islamabad at the 26th toll plaza has also been closed.

Furthermore, containers have been placed at the Khanh Pul area on the expressway, causing heavy traffic jams on the Islamabad-Rawat stretch. The expressway from Rawat to Islamabad has been completely closed.

The Murree Road has been blocked using containers at the Faizabad area. The route from Rawat T-Chowk to Rawalpindi has also been blocked with containers, and the Faizabad interchange has been completely sealed off.

Containers have been deployed at the Attock Khurd police check post on the border between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

Saif expresses concerns over possible NOC issues

Barrister Saif, an advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expressed concerns that the government might attempt to revoke the NOC before the rally. He stated that the party fears the administration might create obstacles but that the rally will proceed even if the NOC is revoked.

Explosives found on site

A hand grenade, a rocket launcher, detonators, and bombs have been discovered at the site of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in Islamabad.

Police bomb disposal squad personnel have been deployed to the scene, and a heavy contingent of police officers has been stationed around the rally area.