Leaders of various opposition parties, including Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Wednesday gathered in Lahore for an anti-government rally headed by Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri.

Addressing the rally, Zardai said that Nawaz Sharif compares himself to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. "He (Nawaz) is comparing himself to the man responsible for the division of Pakistan."

"Our country faces threat from Jati Umra," he added.

On his part, Qadri welcomed the participants and said that they have gathered together for justice. "Our movement is against the kingdom of Sharif. This movement is justice for nation," he added.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan, while addressing the protesters, accused the provincial police of patronising criminals.

"The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had depoliticised the police department back in 2013," he said.

"They (Sharif brothers) are fascists."

The Lahore High Court earlier in the day allowed opposition parties to conduct protest on Mall Road till midnight. It has also directed authorities concerned to provide security to the protesters.  

The protesters seek resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Law Minister Rana Sanaullah as they hold them responsible for the killing of over a dozen PAT supporters in a police shootout almost three and a half years ago.

At the protest demonstration, the tragic rape and murder of a Kasur girl – Zainab – is also expected to be the subject of speeches of PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, PTI chief Imran Khan, PAT chairman Tahirul Qadri and others.

Dr Tahirul Qadri had said the next strategy for protest to get justice on Model Town killings will be announced on the day of the agitation.

The city’s main thoroughfare, Mall Road, has been blocked for traffic by placing containers at Faisal Chowk and the protest venue was extended to GPO Chowk, a few hundred meters. At least 30 sofas and 200 chairs were placed for the leadership at the stage which is around n 80-ft long.

The provincial government summoned three companies of Pakistan Rangers to provide security to the vital buildings housed at The Mall which included Punjab Assembly, Wapda House, Punjab CM House, GPO and Lahore High Court. The provincial government also announced that the educational institutions located at and in the vicinity of Mall Road will remain closed on Wednesday.