KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi accuses the Sindh government of obstructing the PTI convoy as the party’s mobilisation campaign reaches Karachi ahead of its September 27 protest.
KARACHI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday accused the Sindh government of obstructing his convoy as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) mobilisation campaign reached Karachi ahead of the party’s planned nationwide protest on September 27.
Afridi arrived in Karachi alongside PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh as the party continued its five-day mobilisation campaign across Sindh.
Addressing PTI workers at the Tando Jam toll plaza, Afridi alleged that roads had been blocked with containers, forcing his convoy to take an alternative route through rural areas.
“Yesterday Bilawal welcomed us on Twitter, but today the roads have been blocked,” Afridi said, referring to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s message welcoming his arrival in Sindh.
He called on Bilawal to clarify who was responsible for the road closures, alleging that the Sindh government was creating hurdles for the PTI convoy.
Afridi criticises Karachi conditions
Afridi also criticised the condition of Karachi, saying the city had remained deprived despite being a major contributor to Pakistan’s economy.
He accused the ruling political establishment of disregarding court orders and said he would not leave Sindh without reaching Karachi.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja also addressed party workers in Karachi, saying September 27 would be a day of “freedom” and vowing to continue the campaign for what the party describes as “real freedom”.
The mobilisation drive is aimed at building support for the PTI’s demands, including the release of party founder Imran Khan and the provision of immediate medical treatment.
Security restrictions disrupt Karachi traffic
Karachi police said road closures were linked to security concerns, with additional personnel deployed around Mazar-e-Quaid.
Police contacted PTI leaders and advised Karachi PTI President Faheem Khan to change his route towards Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam.
Officials said permission had not been granted for a PTI gathering on Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam and warned that no rally or procession would be allowed without authorisation.
The East district administration also barred gatherings and political activity around Mazar-e-Quaid and Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam.
Traffic police reported closures on several major routes, including New MA Jinnah Road, Corridor Three, parts of MA Jinnah Road, approaches to Numaish Chowrangi, Super Highway near Zero Point and sections of Rashid Minhas Road.
Traffic was diverted through alternative routes, causing disruption in surrounding areas.
PTI prepares alternative rally plan
PTI leader Jamal Siddiqui said the party had prepared an alternative plan, including specially designed trucks that could function as temporary stages.
Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said the PTI could come to Karachi but warned against making statements against Pakistan.
He said containers used to manage rallies could not prevent political workers from reaching their destinations.
The developments come as the PTI continues its mobilisation campaign across Sindh, with the party seeking to build momentum ahead of its planned nationwide protest on September 27.