A sprawling tent city has taken shape at Minar-e-Pakistan as Jamaat-e-Islami prepares for its three-day All-Pakistan Ijtema, drawing participants from across the country.
Lahore: A vast tent city is rapidly taking shape on the sprawling grounds of Minar-e-Pakistan as Jamaat-e-Islami prepares to host its three-day Ijtima-e-Aam, one of the country’s largest annual religious and political gatherings.
The event, scheduled for 21–23 November, is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of participants from across Pakistan, turning the historic venue into a temporary settlement complete with accommodation, food centres, prayer areas, and water facilities.
This Weekend, the party conducted a full-dress rehearsal under the supervision of the gathering’s chief organiser and Jamaat-e-Islami’s deputy Ameer, Liaqat Baloch. Representatives from all major committees participated, testing the movement of large crowds, the layout of the tent city, sanitation points, prayer arrangements, and traffic flow.
Senior leaders — including Secretary General Ameerul Azim, Dr Osama Razi, Mian Muhammad Aslam, Azhar Iqbal Hassan, Muhammad Javed Kasuri, Ziauddin Ansari, Nasrullah Randhawa, Zakrullah Mujahid, and women’s wing representatives led by Samina Saeed — toured the site and later expressed satisfaction with the progress made.
Speaking to reporters at the venue, Liaqat Baloch said the main stage is nearing completion, while large sections of the tent village have already been erected.
“Facilities for drinking water, ablution and sanitation are in their final stages. The volunteers of Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore are the hosts, and we will welcome participants from across the country with warmth and respect,” he said.
Attendees will offer Friday prayers at the Badshahi Mosque, with dedicated routes and facilitators assigned to guide the crowds.
Caravans set out for Lahore
From Karachi to Khyber, large convoys — including motorcycle groups and family vehicles — have begun travelling towards Lahore. Reception points at major entry routes are being set up to receive participants.
Baloch instructed organising teams to stay fully mobilised in the days leading up to the gathering.
“Our volunteers are enthusiastic, well-organised and driven by a spirit of public service. They are prepared to guide and assist participants in all circumstances,” he said.
With tents spreading across the green expanse beneath Minar-e-Pakistan and volunteers working round the clock, the site has already taken on the atmosphere of a large-scale national event — one that is expected to dominate Lahore’s landscape in the coming week.
Liaqat Baloch said that All-Pakistan Ijtema-e-Aam marks the starting point of a movement to overturn the oppressive system that has deviated from the Constitution, says Liaqat Baloch.
Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, will present a roadmap for systemic change before the nation during the gathering.
Liaqat Baloch said the purpose of the Ijtema-e-Aam is to replace the coercive and unjust system imposed on the country.
