KARACHI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi addressed a large gathering near Mazar-i-Quaid on Sunday, amid claims by the PTI of police obstruction, shelling, and roadblocks preventing supporters from reaching the venue. The Sindh government had initially approved a rally at Bagh-i-Jinnah, but PTI cited delays in receiving the permit and shifted the gathering to one of the gates of Mazar-i-Quaid.
PTI supporters reportedly faced police shelling at Bagh-i-Jinnah, while disturbances were also reported near Numaish Chowrangi, and several media vehicles were damaged. Afridi thanked the people of Sindh for their support but condemned the Sindh government for disrespecting the Sindhi cap and Ajrak, emphasizing that the party would not allow anyone to steal its mandate or continue the imprisonment of Imran Khan.
The KP CM warned that those aiming to end PTI’s influence underestimated the public’s determination, stating that the youth turnout for a single rally was significant and signaling readiness for future street movements if called upon by Imran Khan. Afridi also alleged that authorities blocked his convoy from Hyderabad to Karachi, forcing travel on deserted roads and risking the safety of his team, though Hyderabad SSP denied any obstruction.
PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh criticized police actions, showing videos of supporters pushing aside containers to clear blocked routes and highlighting the massive turnout in Baldia Town and Ittehad Town. PTI spokespersons condemned alleged violence against party workers and media personnel, claiming over a dozen arrests and vehicle damage, while media and journalist associations demanded accountability for attacks on reporters.
Sindh government officials countered PTI’s claims, asserting that full security and permissions were provided, and urged party workers to follow designated routes to avoid traffic disruptions. Despite tensions and confrontations, Afridi addressed supporters from Mazar-i-Quaid, reaffirming the party’s commitment to its political agenda and public mobilisation across Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
This rally forms part of Afridi’s four-day visit to Sindh as part of PTI’s ongoing street mobilisation campaign.
