As former prime minister Nawaz Sharif touched down in the federal capital following nearly four years of self-imposed exile, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers and leaders departed for Lahore in large convoys, creating a traffic mess on major thoroughfares in the twin cities.
PML-N convoys from Rawalpindi, Attock, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gathered at the Islamabad Toll Plaza, where workers danced to the beats of traditional music. The political activity severely disrupted the flow of traffic for hours.
Following a brief stopover, convoys led by Amir Muqam from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa departed Rawalpindi and headed towards Lahore, carrying thousands of workers in numerous cars and dozens of buses.
Also read: Nawaz promises no ‘politics of revenge’ upon return to Pakistan
Long queues of vehicles at the motorway toll plaza also disrupted ambulances and emergency service vehicles.
To cope with the situation, a heavy contingent of Rawalpindi Police, Motorway Police, and Islamabad Traffic Police personnel was deployed.
Overall, the law and order situation remained calm and no untoward incident was reported.
On the other hand, PML-N leader Chaudhry Tanveer Khan led the largest convoy of 200 vehicles and dozens of buses from Rawalpindi Cantt to Lahore.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 22nd, 2023.
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