KARACHI:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday reaffirmed his resolve to hold a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally at Karachi’s Bagh-e-Jinnah, alleging obstacles and road blockages during his travel from Hyderabad to the port city.
In a video statement, the chief minister said his convoy was diverted to deserted routes on the way to Karachi, but added that he had reached the city and that the rally would take place as planned.
His remarks came after the Sindh government issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) allowing the PTI to hold a public gathering at Bagh-e-Jinnah. According to a post on the party’s official X account, the rally is scheduled for 2pm.
Afridi arrived in Sindh on Friday for a three-day visit as part of PTI’s mobilisation campaign to mark the first anniversary of the February 8, 2024 general elections, which the party alleges were rigged.
PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh said the party would proceed with the rally following the issuance of official permission. He said the event was initially planned outside Mazar-e-Quaid but arrangements were delayed due to the late issuance of the NOC.
“The NOC was issued after 6:30pm, which created logistical challenges,” he said, adding that the rally would still be held as scheduled. Sheikh also claimed that police removed vendors and blocked containers from reaching the venue, terming it an attempt to disrupt preparations.
Responding to the allegations, Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said the provincial government had no intention of creating hurdles. He said the delay in issuing the NOC was minimal and assured full cooperation, including provision of manpower and facilities if required.
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, however, warned that rallies on public roads would not be allowed, stressing that permission had only been granted for a gathering at Bagh-e-Jinnah.
“No protest will be permitted on roads, and no one will be allowed to challenge the writ of the state,” he said.
Meanwhile, a scheduled meeting between Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was postponed. Provincial officials said the meeting is now expected to take place on Monday.