Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has firmly declared his intention to reach Karachi despite what he described as deliberate obstacles imposed by the Sindh government. Addressing PTI supporters at Tando Jam in Hyderabad, Afridi emphasized that no matter the challenges, he would not leave the province without visiting the port city.
Currently in Sindh as part of PTI’s outreach ahead of a planned long march to Islamabad, Afridi accused the provincial government of attempting to block his convoy’s progress. Speaking at the Tando Jam toll plaza, he stated that while Sindh traditionally welcomes visitors, authorities were now digging pits and placing containers to impede their route.
Meanwhile, Karachi police contacted PTI leaders, raising security concerns and advising PTI Karachi President Faheem Khan to alter the travel route towards Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam. The party had applied for permission last month to hold a gathering on Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, but officials confirmed that permission had not been granted. Police warned that no rallies or processions would be allowed without authorization and threatened legal action if such events proceeded unlawfully.
In his Hyderabad speech, Afridi addressed PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, urging him to acknowledge that the restrictions were imposed by his government. He challenged Bilawal to identify any other party responsible, stating that such actions were not in line with Sindh’s tradition of hospitality. Afridi reiterated his promise: “I will not leave Sindh without reaching Karachi.” The PTI convoy reportedly reached Kotri later in the day.
In Karachi, the East district administration announced a ban on gatherings near Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam and Mazar-e-Quaid. The deputy commissioner clarified that no rallies, processions, or political activities would be permitted around the mausoleum, with a legal prohibition extending to within 10 feet of its outer wall. Additional police personnel were deployed around Mazar-e-Quaid to enhance security.
Traffic restrictions have been extensive, with closures on New MA Jinnah Road, Corridor Three, and various routes including those from Gurumandir to Numaish Chowrangi, Capri Cinema to Numaish Chowrangi, Allah Wali Chowrangi to Noorani Chowrangi, and Super Highway Zero Point towards Shahrah-e-Pakistan. Sections of Rashid Minhas Road in Gulshan-e-Iqbal were also closed. Traffic police diverted vehicles to alternative routes, resulting in significant congestion on surrounding roads.
PTI leader Jamal Siddiqui revealed that the party has devised a backup plan following the denial of rally permission. This includes specially equipped trucks that can serve as mobile stages at various stops along their route.
Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab commented that PTI is welcome to visit Karachi but cautioned that any statements against Pakistan would not be tolerated. He noted that containers are also placed along routes during Pakistan Peoples Party rallies but insisted these obstacles do not prevent political workers from reaching their destinations.
