ISLAMABAD: As the clock ticks closer to the moment of announcement, the five-judge Supreme Court bench has arrived in the courtroom to deliver the verdict. 

The grand determining verdict will be announced in Courtroom 1 of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which is now packed to capacity as several politicians, advisers, legal aides and petitioners are attending the proceeding.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, who has been the most prominent petitioner, will not attend today’s proceeding due to security reasons.

However, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul are present in the court.

The five-member bench that will announce the historic verdict will be headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, and will comprise Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed, Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed, and Justice Ijazul Ahsan.

The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been put on high alert in anticipation of the SC verdict. The Red Zone has also been partially sealed and people are being allowed inside after undergoing identification and strict security checks.

 Paramilitary soldiers and policemen cordon off the main entrance of the Supreme Court building. Rangers and Frontier Constabulary personnel have been deployed at the Supreme Court and the Red Zone to assist the police.