Banners warning PTI sprout across Lahore ahead of Raiwind march

Banners allegedly put up by PML-N members

LAHORE: With the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) bracing for its Raiwind march, banners threatening the party have sprouted across Lahore.

According to reports, the banners have come up across Garhi Shahu, Allama Iqbal Road and areas in the vicinity of the localities. It has been alleged that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz is behind the development. The banners call on the PTI to scrap its march, slated to be held near Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family residence in the city's Raiwind area.

"Imran Khan, don't force us to go to Banni Gala," one of the banners reads. They were allegedly put up by PML-N leaders Sadaf Abdullah and MPA Farzana Butt.



PHOTO: MUHAMMAD SHAHZAD/EXPRESS

The PTI had earlier approached Lahore High Court in connection with the possible detention of its workers over the show of force. Permitting to party to stage the march, LHC had directed the Punjab government to ensure foolproof security on the occasion. As many as 7,500 policemen have been deployed by the government on this account. Following a series of meetings, the Lahore DCO and the PTI had earlier agreed on a 39-point code of conduct to maintain public order.

PHOTO: MUHAMMAD SHAHZAD/EXPRESS



Authorities have also formulated a traffic plan, which includes four alternative routes for the venue. Five roads in the venue's vicinity have been closed to traffic. Educational institutions in the area remain closed while public hospitals citywide have been placed on high alert.