ISLAMABAD: Unfazed by his disqualification and opponents' criticism, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will be rallying to Lahore from Islamabad via GT Road today on Wednesday.

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader is expected to address his party workers and supporters in different cities on the way including Jhelum, Lala Musa, Gujrat, Gujranwala and others.

All arrangements for unusual journey of the former premier lay finalised. Sharif would leave Punjab House, Islamabad in a bomb-proof container, at 10 am on Wednesday.

The decision for Sharif to reach out to masses travelling via GT Road was taken at a party meeting at Punjab House a couple of days ago.

Sharif's special aide on political affairs, Dr. Asif Kirmani said the route was changed after demands by PML-N's local leaders and MNAs.

He would make his first stay in Jhelum, where the former prime minister is expected to address a public gathering. His next stop on GT Road would be Gujranwala.

Following his disqualification as the prime minister, Sharif vacated PM House on July 30 and headed to his Murree residence along with family members and close confidants. A week later, he moved to Punjab House, Islamabad.

'Respect SC verdict but have reservations'

Earlier on Tuesday, Sharif said although he respected the Supreme Court?s verdict ordering his disqualification, he had reservations about it.

Respect SC verdict but have my reservations, says Nawaz

Former premier held an informal chat with a group of journalists at PM House

In an informal chat with a group of journalists at Punjab House, the former prime minister wondered if the people?s mandate will ever be respected. He said even former premier Yousaf Raza Gilani?s case should not have led to his disqualification.

When asked if he would retire from politics, Sharif said, "I have to complete my century now," adding that he was not the one to sit idle at home.

PTI directs workers to stay peaceful, away from rally

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesman Fawad Chaudhry said Sharif's decision to rally to Lahore is a "futile effort to support his dying politics". 

"Nawaz Sharif appears to be willing to go to any length to open a front against the Supreme Court," he alleged.

Chaudhry said Tehreek-e-Insaf will not allow any conspiracy to create a crisis and law and order situation in the country to succeed.

He said the PTI chairman has directed his workers to stay peaceful and away from routes of the rally.