During ongoing protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in D Chowk, Islamabad, supporters were filmed seizing chocolate from a container, sparking widespread amusement on social media.

The incident occurred as PTI convoys from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reached the Burhan Interchange, where roads had been blocked with containers.

In a video that has gone viral on X, protesters can be seen discovering a container filled with chocolate while attempting to clear the roadblocks.

As the workers opened the container, they quickly took advantage of the situation, grabbing cartons full of chocolate boxes.

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The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has unveiled a revised strategy for its upcoming protests in Lahore PTI has decided to forgo its original plan to gather at Minar-e-Pakistan. Instead, party officials have announced that protests will take place at six alternative locations throughout the city.

The protests are planned in front of Data Darbar, Ravi Bridge, and the railway station, with three additional sites still being finalized.

PTI workers are expected to assemble at these designated locations, and the party will issue further instructions shortly.

This action comes in response to PTI’s call for a demonstration at Minar-e-Pakistan, with authorities blocking several major roads within the city using containers.

To thwart the protest, the provincial government has made extensive preparations, which include the arrest of PTI activists, closing off the city’s entry and exit points, imposing Section 144, and deploying heavy security forces.

In addition to the police, Ranger units will also be on duty. So far, the police have detained over 250 activists, and the administration has already positioned a large number of containers around Minar Pakistan.

All routes leading from Lahore to the Islamabad motorway have been blocked with containers, causing significant difficulties for citizens at the Lahore-Sialkot motorway, Babu Sabu Interchange, and Thokar Niaz Baig entry points.

Roads blocked

All routes leading from Lahore to the Islamabad motorway have been blocked with containers, causing significant difficulties for citizens at the Lahore-Sialkot motorway, Babu Sabu Interchange, and Thokar Niaz Baig entry points.

The police have set up a camp on the Azadi Flyover to handle potential situations, and containers have been positioned to block roads near Data Darbar. As of now, the Deputy Commissioner has not issued any No Objection Certificate (NOC).

With the motorway closed, traffic pressure will be increased on GT Road, which can cause difficulties for travelers.

Crackdown on PTI workers

Yesterday, police in Lahore declared the PTI workers arrested during the protest as troublemakers. Additionally, orders have been issued for the arrest of 1,590 more PTI activists.

In Islamabad, the state measures against PTI protesters appeared to be effective. Ali Amin Gandapur’s convoy managed to move past a few initial obstacles but was halted by severe shelling near Katti Pahari in Hassan Abdal.

The crackdown continued from D-Chowk to China Chowk, resulting in the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, and activist Azam Khan. The police have apprehended approximately 1,600 activists from the twin cities.

Section 144 imposed

The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in Lahore, Mianwali, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, and Attock, prohibiting all forms of political assemblies, gatherings, rallies, and protests.

This restriction will remain in effect in Lahore until October 8, in Mianwali until October 7, and in Rawalpindi, Sargodha, and Attock until October 6. Additionally, pillion riding has been banned in Rawalpindi and Attock for Friday and Saturday.

The government has deployed nine companies of paramilitary Rangers to perform duties in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Attock on Saturday.

The PTI’s information secretary, Sheikh Waqas Akram, has confirmed plans for the party’s protest on October 4 at the D-Chowk in Islamabad as city administration begins to take precautions, including the deployment of containers in Faizabad, a junction in the twin cities.

While appearing on News Insight with Amir Zia via video link on Tuesday, Akram outlined the details of upcoming PTI protests.

He mentioned that there would be demonstrations on Wednesday in Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, and Mianwali. Additionally, a protest by lawyers is scheduled to take place outside the Supreme Court on the same day. Following that, protests are planned for October 5 in Lahore.

Akram added that protesting is a “fundamental right” and criticized recent legislation regarding protests in Islamabad as unjust. The protests, he stated, aim to “uphold” an independent judiciary, “protect” the Constitution, and address the issue of inflation.

He alleged that the proposed constitutional amendment was solely intended to ban the PTI and to subject its leadership and workers to military trials.

In response to the anticipated protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad, police and local authorities in the twin cities have heightened their preparations. The authorities have started to seize containers at Faizabad, a key junction in the area.

Law enforcement has reportedly stopped over a dozen containers on the Faizabad flyover in anticipation of the planned demonstrations.

A case has been registered against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and 300 others for their alleged involvement in vandalism in Lahore.

The case, filed at Manawan police station, includes charges of terrorism, attempted murder, and other offenses.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), Gandapur allegedly attacked vehicles at the Sialkot Interchange with an AK-47 rifle. He, along with 300 others, violated one-way traffic rules and a mob armed with weapons began vandalizing civilian vehicles.

The FIR further states that Gandapur and Shahid Khattak, a party member, instigated the mob to carry out the vandalism.

The rioters destroyed toll plaza cabins, barriers, and CCTV cameras. Several police officers were also injured during the attack.

The FIR alleges that Gandapur and Khattak fled the scene after issuing death threats.

Police have registered a case against Gandapur and 300 others, with SHO Hadiara Hamas Hamid as the complainant.

PTI leader Hammad Azhar has claimed that the PML-N would lose its government, which would be replaced by the coalition partner, the PPP.

“I have heard that the PML-N government is being ousted and that they are bringing in another puppet, the one who shouts paani ata, paani jata hai from Sindh,” he said while addressing supporters of PTI in Kahna rally on Saturday.

“Now, neither will paani ayega no paani jaega; the people will come.”

He was allegedly making a reference to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as the kind of statements he used was used by the latter in the past. The scion of Bhutto dynasty had made such comments while responding to heavy rains in Karachi four years ago.

Journalist Hamid Mir while appearing on Geo News show Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay earlier this week said that Independent Senator Faisal Vawda’s comments that the government was “incompetent” should not be ignored as it has some background.

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Vawda had said this after the government failed to pass the constitutional amendment in Parliament after the JUI-F refused to vote for the controversial legislation.

Mir claimed that the PML-N has put Bilawal forward after getting failed in bringing legislation. He added that the government would bring legislation for “face-saving” that would be acceptable to PPP, JUI-F, and PTI. “But if this did not happen, then what I am hearing from within the government circles is that some cabinet members are worried about their future and they don’t know what will happen.”

Contrary to Punjab government claims, various roads in Lahore were closed on Saturday, causing significant distress for residents.

Before the PTI rally, the government repeatedly assured that no roads would be closed. But the Babu Sabu Interchange has been completely shut down for all types of traffic for at least four hours.

The Saggian Bridge, Shahdara, and Thokar Niaz Beg were also inaccessible to traffic, leaving travellers entering and exiting Lahore frustrated and stranded.

Due to the road closures, ambulances were unable to navigate through, with no entry points available for them to access the city.

In their separate press conferences, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari claimed that roads were open in the provincial capital.

The development came amid the PTI rally in Kahna. Several supporters of PTI started leaving the Kahna rally site on Saturday as the police took control of the stage and shut down the lights after the time allotted for the public gathering ended at 6pm.

Hundreds of people gathered for the PTI rally in Lahore’s Ring Road. As soon as the scheduled time ended, the sound system was turned off.

According to Aaj News correspondents, the only lights on the site were of mobile phone flashlights and the DSNG vans. Live footage at 7:07pm showed the stage was being moved.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari claimed to have visited 14 roads and 26 intersections in Lahore to address complaints about road closures because of the PTI rally, documenting her observations with videos.

“I have visited approximately 14 roads and 26 intersections in Lahore, and the entire city is open,” she said at a press conference in Lahore earlier in the day.

“Not a single road, street, or intersection is blocked. Lahoris are carrying on with their daily activities as usual, and all major and minor markets in Lahore are open, with no obstacles present on any road, intersection, or street.”

Bukhari toured various areas, including Shimla Pahari, Mall Road, Kalyari Ground, Kalma Chowk, Ring Road, Bhata Chowk, Lalk Chowk, Liberty Chowk, MM Alam Road, Hussain Chowk, and several regions of Defence.

She also visited Ferozepur Road, Achharah Chowk, Jail Road, and Thokar Niaz Beg.

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The information minister claimed that Shahdara Chowk, Thokar Niaz Beg, and Ring Road were open for traffic. She warned that if the Punjab government was blamed for “low turnout” at the rally, it would be the “ultimate level of shamelessness.”

She reiterated that no roads or intersections in Lahore were closed and urged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Saif to “stop lying” and to quickly reach Kahna.

Bukhari added that there were no obstacles or containers in place. “The situation is clear from the camera’s perspective; there are no barriers. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, you’re on your own—Gandapur, come and save the rally.”

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has claimed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has failed the PTI rally again after the party’s political show in Kahna was abruptly ended following the 6pm deadline.

“Ali Amin Gandapur has failed the [PTI] rally for the second time,” Tarar said at a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday.

Supporters of PTI left the Kahna rally after the police cleared the stage and shut down the lights. They took the action after the time allotted for the rally concluded.

Live footage showed the only lights on the site were of mobile phone flashlights and the DSNG vans. Reports said the KP chief minister was on his way to Lahore but got late because of road blockades at different locations.

The information minister’s reference to the “second time” was apparently linked to the Sangjani rally where Gandapur allegedly made disparaging comments about journalists and Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz.

The outcry over the statements prompted the top PTI leadership to apologise to journalists and women on the floor of the House.

According to Tarar, the PTI’s Lahore rally “failed much like their event in Islamabad.”

He claimed that all roads in Lahore remained open, with no obstacles placed in their way, yet PTI was only able to gather a “small crowd despite their efforts.”

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The information minister alleged that the people have rejected PTI’s rally, indicating their “inability” to mobilise supporters. Tarar criticised PTI leaders for making grand claims about the event, which “ultimately went unfulfilled.” He also accused them of confronting the judiciary and institutions.

Tarar advised KP CM Gandapur not to compare himself to Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz. He added that Gandapur’s attempts at rallying, politics, and governance “have all been unsuccessful.”

He claimed that the KP chief minister’s “failures” highlight the disconnect between PTI’s claims and their actual performance. He urged Gandapur to reassess his approach rather than making comparisons to “successful political leaders.”

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur lost his temper upon encountering obstacles on the way to the PTI rally on Saturday, shattering a car window with the butt of a Kalashnikov.

As PTI was concluding the rally in accordance with the district administration’s deadline, Gandapur’s convoy was still stuck in traffic. Upon reaching the entrance to the Lahore-Sialkot motorway, he became infuriated by the roadblocks.

In his frustration, he struck the car window with the weapon, highlighting the tensions surrounding the event.

The venue for the PTI rally in Lahore’s Kahna Cattle Market was set up on Saturday, but the event started 1.5 hours later than scheduled. Leaders and supporters continued to arrive at the venue, with several leaders already beginning their speeches.

It was PTI’s second public gathering after the Sangjani rally on September 8. A heavy police presence has been deployed around the venue, with barbed wire also laid out along the Ring Road.

Several supporters of PTI started leaving the Kahna rally site as the police took control of the stage and shut down the lights after the time allotted for the public gathering ended at 6pm.

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Hundreds of people gathered for the PTI rally in Lahore. As soon as the scheduled time ended, the sound system was turned off.

The PTI rally in Kahna is yet to conclude and the PML-N has started debating on how many people gathered for the event, which former prime minister Imran Khan described as “do or die” for his party.

Although the administration granted PTI permission to hold the rally until 6pm, the convoy from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was unable to reach the venue before the deadline, with all entry points to the city blocked by the provincial government.

At a press conference earlier in the day, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari claimed that approximately 1,500 to 1,600 people arrived at the site.

She alleged that various party leaders brought small groups of supporters: Aaliya Hamza arrived with 100 people, Latif Khosa brought 25, and Haleem Adil Sheikh had 60 supporters from Karachi. Zartaj Gul was accompanied by 100 to 150 individuals.

Additionally, around 5pm, the PML-N shared images of the rally site, which appeared largely empty, further fueling the debate over the event’s effectiveness.

PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb shared some images from the rally site around 3pm, highlighting the event’s atmosphere. By 5:30pm, a noticeable number of PTI workers and attendants were present at the venue.

Photos captured during the live coverage of the rally provide a clearer picture of the number of participants in attendance. The contrasting accounts from both parties have sparked discussions about the rally’s overall success and turnout.

The Punjab government has announced its intention to arrest suspects from the May 9 incidents at the rally site, assigning Lahore Police the task of apprehending PTI leader Hamad Azhar.

At a press conference, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari stated that if any suspect from the May 9 incidents was spotted at the rally, action would be taken. Azhar was at the Kahna rally site and police were “active in pursuing his arrest.”

May 9 cases pertains to the events when violent protesters attacked military installations and sensitive buildings following former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest in a graft case.

Azhar has previously participated in multiple rallies and is wanted in connection with the May 9 cases. Earlier, Bukhari had announced the intention to arrest PTI leaders and workers wanted in those cases.

She emphasized that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.

“A chief minister is bringing armed groups to Lahore, and activists of the movement attempted to create unrest last night,” the provincial minister said and claimed that no roads would be blocked and arrangements would be made to accommodate rally attendants.

The provincial government’s spokesperson stated that the court had dismissed PTI’s request the previous day and the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the rally had been issued. She accused PTI of “solely engaging in negative propaganda.”

He warned that participants would need to bring their supporters, mentioning that weapons were present in the vehicles of the “movement of chaos.”

Bukhari stated that developmental work in Punjab was ongoing and assured that the provincial government would take “full care of health concerns” for those attending the rally. She reiterated that only workers from KP should be brought along, not government employees.

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She urged attendants to inform people about the developmental projects initiated in KP, stating that the chief minister should apologise in person during the rally rather than in writing. Bukhari emphasized that taking the law into one’s hands would not be tolerated and that the “rally must conclude within the scheduled time.”

She added that SOPs had been issued for the PTI rally and that arrests would be made for suspects from the May 9 incidents, urging “PTI to prove itself as a political party rather than a source of chaos.”

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and several other leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The warrants are part of a case involving charges of terrorism and vandalism filed at the I-9 police station.

During a hearing on Gandapur’s bail application, his lawyer sought exemption from attendance, but the judge, Tahir Abbas Sipra, denied the request.

The judge noted that Gandapur had previously been excused from attending due to illness but was seen in good health during a public event shortly after.

Alongside Gandapur, arrest warrants were also issued for PTI leaders Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi and Rashid Hafeez, while Umar Tanveer Butt was declared a proclaimed offender. PTI Senator Faisal Javed managed to secure an exemption from attendance.

The prosecution argued that the accused had repeatedly ignored court orders and failed to cooperate. In addition to the ongoing case, Gandapur is also involved in a separate matter concerning the recovery of alcohol and weapons, with a hearing scheduled for later today.

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This latest development follows a previous warrant for Gandapur, which was canceled after his lawyer assured the court of his appearance. The case against Gandapur was originally registered in 2016.

The PTI rally in Lahore concluded on a disappointing note on Saturday, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur unable to reach the site on time. As the scheduled time for the rally ended, the sound system was shut down and the lights at the venue were turned off. Police took control of the stage, escorting PTI leaders off one by one using the light from their mobile phones.

While Gandapur arrived late, other key figures such as Omar Ayub and Asad Qaiser also failed to reach the venue in time. Sources within the PTI claimed that the sound system was turned off for the call to prayer and that the rally would not conclude without Gandapur’s address.

Despite this, many PTI supporters left the venue as darkness fell, followed by party leadership. The stage set up at the rally site was also dismantled.

Gandapur arrived at the rally site at 8pm and briefly addressed the remaining supporters, stating, “I have arrived; please accept my presence. I broke through all the obstacles to get here. Are you happy?” The KP CM added that he would soon ensure the release of the PTI founder and then sought permission to leave.

After his short speech, Gandapur departed the rally site.

Rally abruptly ends

Several supporters of PTI started leaving the Kahna rally site on Saturday as the police took control of the stage and shut down the lights after the time allotted for the public gathering ended at 6pm.

Hundreds of people gathered for the PTI rally in Lahore’s Ring Road. As soon as the scheduled time ended, the sound system was turned off.

According to Aaj News correspondents, the only lights on the site were of mobile phone flashlights and the DSNG vans. Live footage at 7:07pm showed the stage was being moved.

Sources said that the DJ had winded up the sound system.

Originally, the rally started an hour and a half late, despite the city administration granting Imran Khan’s party a timeframe from 3pm to 6pm. Even so, leaders and supporters continued to arrive at the venue until the very end, with several leaders beginning their speeches during that time.

The venue for the PTI rally in Lahore’s Kahna Cattle Market was set up on Saturday, but the event started 1.5 hours later than scheduled. Leaders and supporters continued to arrive at the venue, with several leaders already beginning their speeches.

It was PTI’s second public gathering after the Sangjani rally on September 8. A heavy police presence has been deployed around the venue, with barbed wire also laid out along the Ring Road.

Meanwhile, the administration closed the Islamabad-Lahore motorway, effectively blocking access for convoys coming from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

While PTI leaders were delivering speeches, the administration blocked all entry points to Lahore at 6pm to prevent KP CM Gandapur from entering the city. Gandapur was en route to Lahore with a large number of supporters, accompanied by heavy machinery to remove obstacles.

Hamad Azhar was the first to speak at the rally, while the final address was delivered by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar. Other speakers included Sheikh Waqas Akram, Faisal Javed, and several others who gave brief addresses.

According to the administration, efforts were under way to move the container back to the rally site. The presence of a stagnant pool of sewage behind the PTI rally site has complicated the delivery of the container to the stage area.

On Friday, police arrested “fugitive PTI workers” ahead of the rally as part of the crackdown on people allegedly involved in May 9 events.

Moreover, roads leading to the Kahna rally site have been blocked with containers.

Police allegedly confiscate MPA’s card

On Raiwind Road, police stopped the vehicle of MPA Tarab Rashid Sindhu. When he presented his assembly membership card, the police allegedly confiscated it. After a heated discussion over the card not being returned, the police eventually allowed him to leave, and his vehicle proceeded toward Kahna.

Rashid expressed frustration, stating, “Police should tell me what my fault is. Despite showing my card, I was barely allowed to leave.”

Islamabad-Lahore Motorway closed

The closure of the Islamabad-Lahore motorway has created difficulties for travellers heading to Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and the airport. Long queues of vehicles have formed at the motorway toll plaza, and routes to Lahore from KP have been blocked.

Law enforcement agencies and police have set up checkpoints at the N-5 bridge in Jorian, where all types of vehicles heading to Lahore are being stopped and checked. Police have established barriers on the bridge to prevent PTI supporters from reaching Lahore.

Omar Ayub’s cavalcade sets off for rally

In Haripur, a convoy of hundreds of supporters led by Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan has set off for the rally. The convoy includes provincial minister for local government Arshad Ayub Khan, former provincial minister Yousaf Ayub Khan, and MPA Akbar Ayub Khan.

Supporters chanted slogans demanding the release of PTI founder, “Free prisoner number 804,” as hundreds of PTI’s supporters from all three tehsils of Haripur headed to the rally in their vehicles.

PTI convoy departs from Rawalpindi to Lahore

A PTI convoy, led by party chairman Gohar Ali Khan, has set off from Rawalpindi to Lahore. The convoy, which includes leaders Amir Mughal and Shoaib Shaheen, will be taking the GT Road to Lahore due to blockages on the motorway.

Meanwhile, PTI workers gathered at the Peshawar Motorway Toll Plaza waiting for KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who left the toll plaza in his vehicle without meeting them.

Preparations for the Lahore rally have been finalised in KP, with three special containers ready for the CM. Gandapur will lead the convoy, accompanied by heavy machinery to remove any obstacles along the way.

The convoys are set to depart from the M-1 motorway, gathering on the motorway before heading to Lahore under the chief minister’s leadership.

In Swabi, the chief minister would address PTI workers while convoys from other districts would join the central procession. Heavy machinery would accompany the convoys to remove any obstacles along the way, ensuring a smooth journey for the participants heading toward the Lahore rally.

LHC orders DC to grant NOC to PTI

The Lahore High Court had directed the city’s administration to grant a no objection certificate (NOC) for the rally after PTI requested permission to hold it at the iconic Minar-e-Pakistan.

Despite previous attempts to hold rallies being thwarted due to security concerns, PTI successfully conducted a gathering in Sangjani, Islamabad, earlier this month.

43 conditions

The event is subject to 43 specific conditions, including a time limit from 3pm to 6pm and a ban on anti-state speeches. Additionally, individuals with pending legal issues related to hate speech are prohibited from attending.

The provincial administration has also demanded an apology from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for remarks made during the previous rally.

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Former prime minister Imran Khan has branded this rally a “do-or-die” moment, urging supporters to participate for their future. Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Gohar Khan has called for the administration to facilitate attendance for supporters.

In a show of political solidarity, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has urged the Punjab government to respect PTI’s democratic right to protest.

Over 20 PTI workers were arrested for holding an unauthorised meeting, as authorities prepared to detain individuals linked to past unrest during this rally.

The Punjab police arrested on Friday “fugitive supporters of PTI” ahead of the Lahore rally, having previously indicated plans to apprehend around 4,000 individuals wanted in connection with the May 9 incidents.

Multiple arrests have already been made during a corner meeting in Gulberg, Lahore. Police raided the event, leading to clashes between the police and PTI supporters. When PTI workers responded with stones, the police resorted to aerial firing.

Following such confrontations, more than 20 PTI workers were taken into custody and transported to the police station in a prisoner van. In response to the arrests, agitated protesters blocked the Mini Market road and set tyres on fire.

In a strategic move, sources with the Punjab government said that the government has developed a plan to apprehend approximately 3,700 suspects and proclaimed offenders linked to the May 9 events.

The Lahore police have gathered data on these wanted individuals using Safe City cameras and have established special teams tasked with identifying and arresting them.

Police arrested four individuals, including the district president of the Insaf Students Federation Rana Mohsin Munhas in Vehari. They have been transferred to the district jail for 30 days.

Sources said that raids were also being conducted on the houses of other PTI leaders in district.

The Punjab government gave on Friday conditional permission to the PTI for its rally scheduled for September 21 (tomorrow) and changed the venue from Minar-i-Pakistan to Kahna in Lahore, sources said. So, how far is the new location from the iconic spot?

Kahna is 53.4km away from Minar-i-Pakistan. It would take over one hour and one minute for the supporters of PTI to reach them from the national monument site if they travel via Lahore Ring Road/L-20 by vehicle. And it would take 51 minutes without traffic and the distance would shorten to 53.4km.

Route: Lahore Ring Road/L-20 from NH 5/AH1/AH2 – Follow it to Lahore – Kasur Road in Gajju Matah. Exit from Lahore Ring Rd/L-20 – Take Rohi Nala Rd and Lahore – Kasur Road in Kahna Nau, Kahna.

According to Google Maps, this route will be the fastest due to traffic conditions if supporters of PTI travel to the rally site in the evening, like at 7pm. It merits here to mention that this track has tolls.

It would take one hour and seven minutes to reach the spot if they take Lahore-Kasur Road. But the time would be 46 without traffic, shortening the distance to 29.5km.

Route: Head southwest on Lt Col Sajid Mushtaq Shaheed Rd toward ‫Azadi Chowk Roundabout – Turn left at The China Packages onto Data Darbar Rd/NH 5/Ravi Rd/AH1/AH2 – Take Prof. Ashfaq Ali Khan Rd and Lodge Rd to Lytton Road – Drive from Lahore – Kasur Road to Gajju Matah – Take Rohi Nala Rd to Lahore – Kasur Road – Follow Lahore – Kasur Road to Kahna Nau, Kahna – Take Service Road to Kahna Road.

But this route will have heavy traffic in the evening as usual. It should be kept in mind that a rally would be organised on Saturday when most of the office goers and students enjoy the weekend and spend their time outside the home.

Moreover, it will take more than one and a half hours for people using the mass transit service. They will have to walk Minar-i-Pakistan to Azadi Chowk Station to ride the bus. It takes eight minutes to reach the pickup point. They will have to walk for over six minutes from Darbar Barket Shah, the last point, to Kahna.

Peshawar

People coming from Peshawar can take three routes, including via AH1, AH1 and M-2, and via Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway/AH1/M-1.

AH1 route: Get on Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway/AH1/M-1 in Doran Pur from Warsak Road and Peshawar Ring Road – Continue on AH1 to Lahore. Exit from Lahore Ring Rd/L-20 – Continue on Lahore – Kasur Road and drive to Kahna Road in Kahna Nau, Kahna.

It is said to be the fastest route, having the usual traffic. With 550km distance, it will take more than six hours for the travellers to reach their destination.

AH1 and M-2 route: Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway/AH1/M-1 in Doran Pur from Warsak Rd and Peshawar Ring Road – Follow Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway/AH1/M-1 and M-2 to Lahore – Kasur Road in Eden Gardens, Lahore. Exit from Lahore Ring Road/L-20 – Continue on Lahore – Kasur Road and drive to Kahna Road in Kahna Nau, Kahna.

With a 543km distance, it will take more than six hours for the travellers to reach their destination.

Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway/AH1/M-1 route: Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway/AH1/M-1 in Doran Pur from Warsak Road and Peshawar Ring Road – Follow Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway/AH1/M-1 to Islamabad Motorways Link Road/Srinagar Hwy in Islamabad. Exit from Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway/AH1/M-1 – Follow Srinagar Hwy and Islamabad Expy to Grand Trunk Rd/Islamabad - Lahore Rd/NH 5/AH2 in Rawat – Continue on NH 5/AH2. Take Sialkot - Lahore Mwy/M-11 and Lahore Ring Road/L-20 to Lahore – Kasur Road in Lahore. Exit from Lahore Ring Road/L-20 – Continue on Lahore – Kasur Road. Drive to Kahna Road in Kahna Nau, Kahna.

With 519km distance, it will take over eight hours for the travellers to reach their destination.

Karachi

People from Karachi will have to Sukkur-Multan Motorway/M-5 to reach Islamabad. It will take 15 hours and six minutes to complete the 1,234km distance.

Route: Lyari Expressway in Hassan Aulia Village from Nishtar Road – Follow Karachi - Hyderabad Motorway to Indus Hwy/N-55 in Jamshoro. Exit from Karachi - Hyderabad Motorway – Get on Sukkur - Multan Motorway/M-5 from Indus Hwy/N-55 and NH 5 – Follow Sukkur - Multan Motorway/M-5, M-4 and Lahore - Abdul Hakeem Motorway/M-3 to Lahore – Kasur Road in Eden Gardens, Lahore. Exit from Lahore Ring Road/L-20 – Continue on Lahore – Kasur Road and drive to Kahna Road in Kahna Nau, Kahna.

People can also take an inter-city bus service which takes one day and one hour to reach Kahna.

The Lahore administration has allowed the PTI to hold a rally in the provincial capital’s Ring Road, Kahna instead of Minar-i-Pakistan on Saturday (tomorrow), with changes made to the venue and timing.

Incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan has described the rally as a “do-or-die” situation and expressed confidence in the success of the party’s power show in Lahore.

The decision came after a meeting involving the district administration and district intelligence concluded on Friday, during which, sources said, it was decided to grant conditional permission to the PTI rally based on police reports.

Previously, the PTI was offered three alternative locations for the rally, including Jallo Park, but the administration stated that the party could also hold gatherings at Wagah and Shahpur Kanjra, which the party declined.

According to Insaf Lawyers Forum’s Punjab President Shadab Jafri, the event would take place at the Kahna Cattle Market.

The deputy commissioner has set 43 conditions for the public gathering, including fixing a time limit for the rally from 3pm to 6pm, in a no objection certificate (NOC).

The conditions for the rally include a public apology from KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for his “vitriol” during the Islamabad gathering on September 8. Individuals facing trial for hate speech in previous events are prohibited from participating or appearing on stage.

The guidelines state that no anti-state or anti-institution slogans or statements are to be made during the rally. Furthermore, the PTI is barred from hoisting Afghan flags or bringing in Afghan-paid personnel to the event.

Another critical condition specifies that no proclaimed offenders are allowed to partake in the rally. If any such individuals do participate, it will be the responsibility of the rally’s administration to facilitate their arrest; failure to do so will result in charges of abetment against the organisers.

In a statement, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan thanked the district administration for issuing the NOC and urged it to not place any blockades so that party supporters could gather for the rally and timely end it.

He called for party supporters to arrive at the site by 1pm.

LHC orders DC to decide by 5pm

Earlier in the day, the LHC ordered the city’s deputy commissioner to decide by 5pm upon PTI’s petitions for permission to hold a rally in the provincial capital tomorrow (Saturday).

A three-member bench, constituted by LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, took up the petitions a day ago and sought the personal appearance of top civil brass, including the Punjab chief secretary, the police chief, the commissioner, the DC, and the advocate general.

The PTI has initiated its mass contact campaign to gather support for its rally at Minar-i-Pakistan in Lahore. Petitions for the upcoming gathering have been submitted by PTI leaders, including former MNA Aalia Hamza Malik, MPA Imtiaz Mahmood Sheikh, and Lahore Vice President Akmal Khan Bari.

On Friday, a bench led by Justice Farooq Haider, alongside Justices Tariq Nadeem and Ali Zia Bajwa, resumed hearings on such petitions. The court instructed Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza to make a decision regarding PTI’s recent application by 5pm on Friday (today).

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While the party sought a NOC for the rally, the LHC judge also directed the registrar’s office to schedule a hearing for a separate petition by PTI requesting permission to hold the event.

In recent months, the Punjab Home Department has frequently imposed Section 144 to prohibit political gatherings, including on August 21, when measures were taken to prevent PTI leaders and supporters from attending a planned power show in Islamabad, which was ultimately postponed.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari questioned why a rally should be allowed for those she claims “spew hatred and curse on stage.” She told Geo News, “You will never hear any political talk from their stage.”

Former prime minister Imran Khan warned of “filing jails” if the government tried to prevent his party’s Lahore rally scheduled for September 21.

“The upcoming Lahore rally is critical. It is a ‘do or die’ situation for us,” he told reporters in an informal conversation at the Adiala Jail on Thursday. “Do whatever you want to do, PTI and the whole nation will come out.”

He urged the people not to fear going to jail, asserting that if they are prevented from holding the rally, they should fill the jails.

Khan criticised the government, claiming that the constitutional amendment aims to protect the incumbent chief justice of Pakistan. He warned that if the Supreme Court was dismantled, Pakistan would become a “banana republic.”

The former prime minister stressed the need for thorough discussion regarding constitutional matters, stating that the Supreme Court was the “last institution” in which the public has faith.

“I knew this amendment was coming. Whatever needs to happen should be done after full consultation, not in the dead of night, as it reveals their true intentions,” Khan said and criticised the “decision-makers as fools and ignorant.”

In response to a journalist’s question about his previous endorsement of the Charter of Democracy, which included the establishment of constitutional courts, Khan did not directly address the stance he now holds.

When asked, the PTI founder said that every situation has its context.

He expressed his readiness to remain in jail for a longer period if necessary, encouraging the people not to fear imprisonment. “If we are stopped from holding this rally, we will fill the jails.”

Khan criticised those who profess to honour votes while actually undermining democracy, stating, “Democracy cannot function through force or by enslaving people.”

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When questioned about JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Khan noted that he understood the intent behind the question, accusing the journalist of trying to trap him into making sensational headlines.

In response to a query about the Afghan officials’ failure to stand for the national anthem, Khan dismissed the issue, stating, “There are much bigger issues at stake in this country. The future of the nation is at risk, and you are focusing on this?”