PML-N leader Javed Hashmi. – File Photo

LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf on Sunday welcomed Javed Hashmi when the ‘rebel’ visited the provincial metropolis for the first time after joining the party.

However, the rally was not as much impressive as expected in the wake of the party’s Oct 30 successful public meeting as not more than a couple of thousands of PTI activists were there at Thokar Niaz Beg to receive their leader, who had helped negate the impression that the party represented the establishment players.

There were more vehicles than the activists riding in them at the venue when Mr Hashmi entered Lahore at 3.30pm.

The excuse of the party leaders for the poor show was that delayed arrival of the leader from Multan `irked’ the activists and they returned to their homes.

The PTI had set up a reception camp at Thokar where activists from various provincial assembly constituencies carrying party flags in their hands reached in the form of caravans.

Some of them were dancing to the beat of drums in jubilation.

The PTI had rolled out a float on Jan 27 highlighting Mr Hashmi’s services for the cause of democracy to build up a campaign for receiving its leader in a befitting manner.

Welcome banners had been hoisted and hoardings erected almost along all major city roads, especially the Canal Road and the route of Hashmi’s caravan—from Thokar Niaz Beg to Bhati Chowk.

After a brief speech at Thokar, Mr Hashmi and local leaders boarded a truck and were taken to Bhati Chowk, around 15km from Thokar through Multan Road.

The caravan covered the distance in about five hours amid allegations that the PML-N government tried to create obstacles in its way.

Firework was displayed at the arrival of the caravan outside Data Darbar at about 9pm.

Mr Hashmi himself led the activists in raising slogan of ‘baghi, baghi’.

Speaking to the activists there, he said Lahore is his city as he remained incarcerated in its prisons.

He said he accepted imprisonment but refused to leave the country, a reference to the exile of the Sharifs, leaders of his previous party PML-N.

Ijaz Chaudhry, Mahmoodur Rashid and others also spoke on the occasion.