Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to hold a major political power show on Peshawar’s Ring Road on Saturday, breaking a 10-month hiatus from large gatherings.

The rally, branded as “Imran Khan’s Release and Haqiqi Azadi,” has been organised under heavy security with party leaders banking on massive public turnout.

A 30-foot-high and 60-foot-long central stage has been erected, while 5,000 chairs have been placed for workers.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Salman Akram Raja, Asad Qaiser, and Junaid Akbar are among the key speakers. The PTI founder’s sisters — Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and Noreen Niazi — will also make a special appearance.

With mainstream media giving minimal coverage, PTI leaders have turned to social media to rally supporters.

Former Speaker Asad Qaiser went so far as to declare he would quit politics if the venue failed to fill up.

Security around the rally is unprecedented. More than 2,000 police personnel, bomb disposal squads, sniffer dogs, ladies police, walkthrough gates, and trained snipers have been deployed.

Security teams are stationed on surrounding rooftops, while SSP Operations Masood Ahmed is supervising the arrangements.

Traffic management is being overseen by the city’s Chief Traffic Officer, with Ababeel Squad and patrolling units on the ground.

To ensure smooth entry, participants must pass through strict security checks. Emergency measures include 14 ambulances, two fire trucks, a mobile hospital, and a dedicated medical camp.

The rally’s budget reportedly stands at Rs950 million. PTI claims workers from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the country will join the gathering.

A day earlier, CM Gandapur inspected the venue. His arrival triggered a rush of workers attempting to storm the stage, leading to scuffles with security personnel. One policeman was injured and a VIP gate was damaged in the commotion.

Barrister Saif: Preparations done, rally to stun opponents

Adviser to the KP Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Saif, said all arrangements for the rally had been completed and declared the gathering would be “a slap in the face of those dreaming of PTI without its founder.”

He accused opponents of “negative propaganda” and insisted the rally would mark a “milestone in the struggle for Haqiqi Azadi.”

According to him, the participation of youth from across Pakistan had already shaken the confidence of PTI’s rivals.

“Opponents should brace themselves,” he added, “today’s rally will leave them stunned.”