- PTI’s Haleem Adil criticizes NOC delay by Sindh government.
- Says police blocked containers and removed vendors.
- Sindh LG minister says NOC was delayed by only two to three hours.
KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to hold a public meeting in Karachi today after brief disputes with the Sindh government over the venue and time.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who is currently in Sindh, announced today’s public demonstration in the mega city. He arrived in Karachi on Friday on a three-day visit to the province as part of PTI’s street mobilization movement to mark the first anniversary of the February 8 “fraud” polls held in 2024.
The rally will now take place at Jinnah Garden (Bagh-e-Jinnah) later tonight after the Sindh administration issued a no-objection certificate (NOC).
Rally plans finalized after delay
PTI’s Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh said the party would go ahead with the rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah after securing official permission.
He said PTI had initially announced at 5pm on Friday that the event would be held outside Mazar-e-Quaid’s public gate. However, the NOC was issued after 18.30, which gave the organizers limited time to take action.
“The late issuance of NOC created logistical challenges,” he said. “However, the rally will take place today as planned.”
Sheikh added that the party had earlier planned street demonstrations, but the provincial government advised the PTI to hold a single public gathering instead of organizing road processions.
“The government itself asked us to avoid street demonstrations and opt for a public meeting,” he said.
He also alleged that police removed vendors and prevented containers from reaching the venue, describing the move as an attempt to hinder the rally’s preparations.
“The Sindh government is trying to portray itself favorably by giving permission for the demonstration,” Sheikh said in an apparent reference to the late approval.
The Sindh government plays down the tensions
Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said the provincial administration had no intention of preventing the Imran Khan-led party’s demonstration.
“There was only two to three hours’ delay in issuing the NOC,” he said. “If PTI requires chairs, containers or manpower, we are ready to facilitate them.”
He expressed confidence that the party would stick to the approved venue.
“There is still enough time for PTI to complete the arrangements. They can hold the rally tonight or later tonight,” he said.
Shah suggested that the PTI should consider postponing the rally by a day to allow more time for preparations.
“PTI should have an extra day to organize the rally properly,” he said.
However, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar issued a firm warning that any attempt to hold rallies on the roads would not be tolerated.
“PTI has been given permission to hold its rally in Bagh-e-Jinnah. No protest will be allowed on the streets,” he said. “The government will not allow anyone to challenge the state’s mandate.”
KP-Sindh CM’s meeting
A meeting between Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and his KP counterpart Afridi, scheduled for Saturday, was postponed due to official commitments, sources said.
Later, Minister Nasir Hussain Shah clarified that the meeting was not formally fixed for Saturday and is now expected to take place on Monday.
PTI leaders rejected claims that the KP chief minister was eager to meet his Sindh counterpart. It is wrong to say that CM Afridi was desperate for this meeting, Sheikh said and confirmed that the meeting will take place on Monday.
