The container in which Nawaz Sharif will be making his GT Road journey. Photo: Geo News

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The Punjab traffic police have stopped heavy traffic from plying on the GT Road till August 11 and directed transporters to use the motorway instead. 

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is expected to begin his journey to Lahore from Islamabad shortly. Nawaz is expected to travel via the GT Road in the form of a rally and make pit-stops along the way to address supporters. 

As a result, it is expected that the GT Road will more or less remain clogged for the next two to three days. 

The authorities have also directed public transport vehicles, ambulances and fire brigades to use alternative routes.

Supporters en route, preparations complete 

Banners welcoming Nawaz Sharif on the GT Road. Photo: Geo News

Caravans of Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) supporters, led by local leaders, are en route to Islamabad whereas workers along the GT Road have completed preparations to give their leader a rousing welcome.

?Welcome camps? have been set up in the towns and cities on the GT Road whereas the bridges and street poles have been adorned with banners and posters in favour of Nawaz. 

The container in which Nawaz will be travelling has also been prepped for the journey. Sources said the PML-N supremo will move into the 'bomb-proof' container when he reaches Rawalpindi from Punjab House, Islamabad. 

A group of PML-N supporters, led by the party's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Amir Muqam, is on its way to Islamabad/Rawalpindi from Peshawar via the motorway. 

Muqam is travelling in a bullet-proof vehicle, according to sources.