The Sindh government has decided to allow the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a political rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah, signalling a commitment to democratic norms while stressing strict adherence to the law.
Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah confirmed that the PTI had sought permission to organize a rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah, which is being granted. He said discussions are ongoing with PTI leadership to finalize arrangements for the event.
Shah added that PTI can be given permission to hold rallies anywhere in Karachi as long as activities remain within the legal framework.
'Peaceful political struggle cannot be stopped'
The minister emphasized that the peaceful struggle of any political party, including the PTI, cannot be stopped in a democratic society. However, he warned that violations of the law could create problems, stressing that there is no ban on the rally but legal compliance is essential.
He also confirmed that the PTI has applied separately to hold rallies in Korangi and Karachi South, which are also under consideration.
Shah stated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister is free to carry out political activities in Sindh and can also hold a rally. He said Afridi would be warmly welcomed in Sindh in line with democratic traditions.
KP CM arrives in Karachi
Sohail Afridi arrived in Karachi, where his flight landed at Jinnah International Airport. He was welcomed by Sindh Minister for Labour and Manpower Saeed Ghani, who presented him and other guests with Sindhi caps and Ajrak.
Several PTI leaders, including Salman Akram Raja, Shaukat Basra, and Haleem Adil Sheikh, were also present at the airport, along with KP government spokesperson Shafi Jan and Provincial Minister Meena Afridi.
Clash among PTI workers
The arrival was marred by an altercation when PTI workers who had gathered to welcome the KP chief minister fought among themselves at the airport premises. Witnesses said workers kicked each other before people present at the scene intervened to restore calm.
After the airport reception, the KP chief minister boarded his vehicle and responded to slogans raised by supporters. His convoy, which included a large number of PTI leaders and supporters, departed from the airport and moved via Shahrah-e-Faisal towards Bagh-e-Jinnah and later Insaf House.
Sharjeel criticises PTI’s past policies
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the situation was different during the rule of the PTI’s founder. He claimed that criticism of the PTI founder in the past often led to arrests the following day.
He alleged that the PTI founder’s narrative in favour of the Taliban and talk of opening Taliban offices were well known, adding that the Pakistan Peoples Party strongly disagrees with such positions.
The minister stressed that despite ideological and political differences between the PTI and the PPP, the Sindh government firmly believes in democratic values. He said free movement and political activity are allowed across the province.
He confirmed that the Sindh government would provide full security and protocol to the KP chief minister and that a government representative was present at the airport to welcome him.
Law and public convenience
The Sindh government’s position, Sharjeel Memon said, is that the KP chief minister should inform authorities about his visit program. If any ground is required for meetings or events, the Sindh government will facilitate it.
He added that it would be ensured no activity violates the law or causes inconvenience to the public, noting that in democratic societies, differences of opinion and criticism are tolerated.
