The journey of Nawaz Sharif through GT Road will culminate at the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hajveri after offering prayers possibly on Friday, said party sources. The road leading to the shrine of Ali Hajveri from the Ravi Bridge has been decorated with the portraits of Nawaz Sharif. The party workers have also decorated The Mall road with banners carrying slogans in favour of their leader.
According to the party sources, Nawaz Sharif will address a public rally at Shahdrah. PML-N MNA Malik Riaz has already held meetings with party workers to finalize arrangements for Nawaz's welcome reception. He will also address a public gathering in Gujranwala. The party sources said arrangements are underway to install microphones right from Ravi Bridge to the shrine of Ali Hajveri.
PML-N Lahore President Pervaiz Malik said his party has put all resources into action and committees have been formed to materialize the arrangements. Tasks have been assigned to these committees which are operating round the clock to finalize the arrangements. He said the party workers, especially the traders, have donated heavily to meet the expenses.
However, senior PTI leader Shafqat Mehmood has accused the Punjab government of utilizing government funds for the arrangements with regard the reception of Nawaz Sharif. He said the government has also borne expenses of all the banners and portraits in support of Nawaz Sharif. He further apprehended deterioration in political scenario in a situation where police has the control of the government. Deputy Mayor Lahore Wasim Qadir presided over a meeting in the Ravi Town office and reviewed the reception arrangements. He said he was himself looking after the arrangements.
Meanwhile, reliable sources from the provincial administration said that chances of closing down GT Road for general public are high and those intended to travel to Islamabad would be advised to use Motorway. The Punjab government spokesman said shops on the GT road would remain closed for at least two days. Hamza Shahbaz also chaired a meeting in Lahore and assigned duties to the party leaders for making arrangements finalized for receiving Nawaz Sharif in the city.