Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has urged the people of Karachi to participate in a grand rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah on Sunday, saying preparations are complete even though formal permission has not yet been granted.
Speaking to the media in Karachi, Afridi confirmed that a large public rally will be held at Bagh-e-Jinnah on Sunday. He said that although official permission has not been received so far, organisational preparations for the rally are complete.
The chief minister thanked the people of Karachi for what he described as a warm welcome during his visit. He said the Sindh Government has provided freedom to continue political activities in the province.
Strong criticism of Punjab govt
Afridi sharply criticised the Punjab government, saying its attitude has been “imprinted on our hearts and minds.” He later referred to it as a “fake government,” reiterating grievances over restrictions faced by his party in Punjab.
The chief minister stressed that provincial borders cannot take away anyone’s Pakistaniness. “Every Pakistani has the right to go wherever he wants,” he said, defending his party’s rallies and street movement across provinces.
Mandate for street movement
Afridi said the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has given him a clear mandate to lead a street movement. He also termed reports of the former prime minister being kept in solitary confinement as “deeply shocking.”
During his media interaction, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister highlighted that universal health facilities are being provided in his province. He said the KP model of healthcare reflects his government’s commitment to public welfare.
Visit to Sindh
Afridi is on an official and political visit to Sindh and stayed at PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh’s farmhouse in Gadap. He held meetings with party leaders and like-minded political groups during his stay.
After Karachi engagements, Afridi has left for Hyderabad as part of a rally-style convoy. Senior PTI leaders, including Salman Akram Raja, accompanied him.
Hyderabad programme
According to PTI sources, the rally will start from Sohrab Goth and proceed towards Hyderabad. Afridi is scheduled to address the Hyderabad High Court Bar, the Women’s Wing meeting, and an ISF convention, along with visits to different areas under the street movement.
Reiterating his stance, Sohail Afridi said Sunday’s rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah will be held “in any case.” He added that Karachi has long been associated with PTI and will continue to remain so.
