Imran Khan's protest march set to siege Pakistan's 68th I-Day today

, Aug 14: The freedom march of

Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief

and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri is set to seige Pakistan on its 68th Independence Day on Thursday.

[Read: Why Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day on August 14]

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made an eleventh hour appeal for a dialogue but Khan and Qadri were adamant to go ahead with the mass rally from Lahore to Islamabad.

Sharif said he was not against protest within legal limits but warned against creating problems that could threat peace in the country. Sharif, who came to power last year, said he was ready to talk with the opposition but Khan said they would go ahead with the rally no matter what happens. He also warned the government that if it tried to stop them, it would be considered illegal.

Imran Khan refused to lend ears to PM Nawaz Sharif's proposal for a dialogue

Khan and Qadri called the rally to protest against the government on issues like corruption and power shortages. Roads in Islamabad have been blocked and also mobile phone services have been suspended in areas through which the protest march is scheduled to progress.

The common people are fearing a bloodshed during the rally even though security has been beefed up across the national capital with the deployment of over 20,000 forces.

Oneindia News