The Sindh government has granted permission to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a public rally in Karachi, issuing a conditional no-objection certificate (NOC) for an event scheduled at Bagh-e-Jinnah on January 11 (Sunday).
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said the rally will be held at Bagh-e-Jinnah Ground on January 11. He confirmed that an NOC has been issued with clear conditions that must be strictly followed by the organisers.
Organisers responsible for law and order
According to Memon, the responsibility for maintaining law and order during the rally rests entirely with the organisers. He added that the organisers must also ensure smooth traffic flow around the venue and conclude the programme within the scheduled time.
The NOC explicitly bars provocative speeches, materials and sectarian discourse. Authorities said no speech against Pakistan or state institutions will be allowed during the rally, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be implemented throughout the event.
Permission subject to security assessment
Memon said the district administration retains the authority to cancel the permission on security grounds. He reiterated that maintaining peace during the rally is the sole responsibility of PTI under the terms of the NOC.
Earlier, PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh had announced a rally at the VIP gate of Mazar-e-Quaid at 2pm, citing difficulties accessing Bagh-e-Jinnah. He claimed police stopped rally materials from entering the venue and locked the gate, saying the event was not allowed at that time.
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Sheikh alleged a “conspiracy,” saying PTI was misled and that the rally would take place regardless. “If not inside Bagh-e-Jinnah, then outside,” he said earlier, adding that the party remained determined to proceed with the gathering.
Clarity after NOC issuance
With the NOC now issued, PTI has permission to hold the rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah under the stipulated conditions. Authorities and organisers are expected to coordinate closely to ensure compliance and public safety.
A day ago also, the Sindh government decided to allow the 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 had confirmed that the PTI had sought permission to organize a rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah, which was being granted. He said discussions were ongoing with PTI leadership to finalize arrangements for the event.
Shah added that PTI could 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.
