Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif speaks to a mammoth rally. ? Geo News FILE

RAWALPINDI: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has been addressing a mammoth gathering at Rawalpindi's Committee Chowk, where he reached in the form of a rally after 12 hours since departing from Punjab House, Islamabad.

Speaking to large crowds who came out in his support, Sharif said a verdict was announced by the court, while another has been announced by this people's court.

Nawaz Sharif's caravan entered Rawalpindi and is set to continue its journey, via the GT Road, for his hometown of Lahore. Sources told Geo News, that it is unlikely that the former prime minister will be able to leave Rawalpindi tonight.

Strict security preparations have been made for the rally, with significant deployment of police personnel, including elite force commandos. A helicopter is also following the procession to provide security for the former premier?s rally.

The rally is a show of force by the former prime minister after his disqualification by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case.

The former premier began the journey after departing from Punjab House around noon.

Senior government officials, including the prime minister, members of the federal cabinet and PML-N leaders, were present at Punjab House to see off Nawaz.

Disgruntled party leader Chaudhry Nisar was conspicuous by his absence.

The decision for Sharif to reach out to masses by 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, Senator Asif Kirmani, said the route was changed after demands by PML-N's local leaders and MNAs.

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.