PTI show of strength at Minar-e-Pakistan

LAHORE: The stage is set, last minute preparations are complete, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) show of strength in Lahore is underway. PTI has gathered a large crowd at the Minar-e-Pakistan ground where PTI first showed its strength in 2011.

Extra contingents of police have been deployed while 450 rescue workers, 16 ambulances and incident command vehicles are also present on site.

PTI supporters are hopeful that today’s rally will be a historic event which will be attended by party workers from all over the country. This is PTI's third show of strength at Minar-e-Pakistan.

Imran Khan concluded his address by asking Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif not to resign until he has spread his message to every corner of the country. He then thanked the crowd that came out to support him in Lahore.

Imran Khan says if he comes to power he will collect 6000-8000 billion through taxes.

Imran Khan says that PM Nawaz Sharif should resign and go home and allow an independent inquiry, adds, if he is proven wrong then he will apologize to Nawaz Sharif.

Imran Khan addressing rally says, he will continue to stage sit-in protests until Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif resigns.

Imran Khan tells rally that he came out on the streets after he realised Pakistan does not have a system to deliver justice.

Imran Khan tells the rally that he stood up against the election of Asif Ali Zardari as president but was unable to gather 2000 people. Today he says he has witnessed the awakening of the nation.

Imran Khan now on podium to address rally.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi now addressing the rally.

Addressing the crowd, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed tells audience he has never seen such a big rally in his entire life. Sheikh Rasheed also declared that if any unconstitutional step was taken, then PM Nawaz Sharif will be responsible.

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pervaiz Khattak addressing the crowd.

Various PTI leaders are addressing the rally. Some have claimed the PTI rally to be the largest political gathering in the history of Pakistan.

Abrar-ul-Haq while addressing the crowd broke into song before crowd waving PTI flags.

The stairs leading up to the container collapsed when a large number of people climbed on top up the makeshift staircase. A lady was injured when the staircase broke and was immediately given first aid by rescue service personnel present on site.

A near miss for Imran Khan who almost lost his balance on top of the container when someone accidentally pushed the PTI Chief.

Imran Khan is now present on top of the stage.

Imran has arrived at the Minar-e-Pakistan ground.

Imran Khan arrived in Lahore via a private jet and will soon arrive at the Minar-e-Pakistan ground to address his followers.

PTI has alleged that party supporters are not being allowed to reach the venue. However, the Punjab government's spokesman has rejected the allegations.

PTI organizers are claiming 200,000 people have already gathered at Minar-e-Pakistan.

The numbers continue to swell at Minar-e-Pakistan where PTI supporters have gathered in the thousands carrying PTI flags and some are even dressed in party colours.

PTI Chief, Imran Khan has departed from his Bani Gala residence for Lahore. Speaking to journalists Imran Khan said, Pakistan has awoken to demand their rights. He reiterated his allegations that the ruling families have agreed on a compromise adding that Asif Ali Zardari is trying to save Nawaz Sharif. He said he will take his message to every corner of Pakistan and will continue his sit-in in Islamabad as well. He added, that he will celebrate Eid at Azadi Chowk.

Aerial view of the Minar-e-Pakistan ground where PTI is all set to show its strength.