PTI Granted Permission for Karachi Rally, Afridi Visits Sindh

KARACHI: The Deputy Commissioner East has reportedly granted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) permission to hold a public rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah in Karachi tomorrow (Sunday), amid ongoing political mobilisation ahead of the first anniversary of the controversial February 8, 2024 elections. The rally was announced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi during his three-day visit to Sindh.

According to Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, the no-objection certificate (NOC) was issued with strict conditions. Organisers are responsible for maintaining law and order, ensuring smooth traffic, and avoiding speeches against the country or state institutions, provocative language, objectionable material, or sectarian remarks. The programme must conclude on time, and the district administration reserves the right to cancel the rally for security reasons.

Meanwhile, PTI Sindh leader Raja Azhar noted that the NOC has not yet been formally received and that logistical arrangements at the public gate of Quaid’s mausoleum are still pending.

During his Sindh visit, CM Afridi was welcomed at Karachi airport by PPP’s Saeed Ghani, who presented him with a Sindhi topi and Ajrak. Afridi addressed workers and journalists at the Karachi Press Club and later visited Jamshoro, where he criticised PPP leadership, accusing President Asif Ali Zardari of ending the politics of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.

Afridi further claimed that amendments to the Constitution had undermined the people’s rights in Sindh and reiterated his commitment to democracy, the rule of law, media freedom, and an independent judiciary. He urged supporters to prepare for a street mobilisation movement in response to future calls, emphasising his refusal to be silenced or moulded by others.