Karachi: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) organised a large and unexpected political rally in Karachi on Sunday, even as roads were blocked and dozens of party workers were detained. The gathering was led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who addressed supporters in a late-night speech at Bagh-e-Jinnah.
Heavy Security and Blocked Routes Fail to Stop Rally
Although CM Sohail Afridi was officially welcomed at Karachi airport a day earlier, the situation changed on Sunday when Sindh Police sealed major routes and started arresting PTI activists. Roads from Hyderabad to Karachi were blocked, forcing the KP chief minister to travel through alternative routes to reach the city.
Despite restrictions, thousands of PTI workers made their way to Bagh-e-Jinnah, where authorities had initially denied permission and even cut off electricity. Supporters still managed to enter the venue and waited until Afridi arrived around midnight.
Afridi’s Speech: “PTI Will Not Be Silenced”
Addressing the charged crowd, Sohail Afridi said PTI would continue its political struggle through constitutional and democratic means. He accused the government of trying to silence the people’s voice through arrests and intimidation.
He criticised the February 8 elections, saying they damaged public trust in democracy. Afridi praised party workers who faced police action and said their sacrifices had only strengthened PTI’s movement for rule of law, democracy, and voter rights.
Venue Dispute and NOC Controversy
PTI leaders said they originally planned the rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah, but the no-objection certificate (NOC) was issued very late on Saturday evening. Due to this delay, the party tried to shift the gathering near Mazar-e-Quaid, where police again blocked access.
Roads around Guru Mandir, Numaish and Khudadad Colony were sealed, causing major traffic problems and preventing many supporters from reaching the venue.
Sindh Government’s Reaction
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar warned of strict action against gatherings outside approved areas. Other Sindh ministers claimed PTI was creating unnecessary drama and even offered chairs and containers to facilitate the rally.
Later, Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah apologised to CM Afridi for any unpleasant incidents. He said there was no ill intention and that security arrangements were made only for safety.
PTI Vows to Continue Mobilisation
PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar and Asad Qaiser, said the party would keep mobilising across Pakistan to defend democracy and protest what they call election rigging.
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