KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Sindh mobilisation campaign reached Karachi on Monday as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi accused the Sindh government of creating hurdles for his convoy and blocking roads ahead of the party’s planned nationwide protest on September 27.
Afridi arrived in Karachi accompanied by PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh after travelling through several districts as part of the party’s five-day mobilisation campaign.
Speaking to PTI workers at the Tando Jam toll plaza before entering the city, Afridi alleged that containers had been placed on roads, forcing his convoy to take alternative routes 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.
The PTI leader challenged Bilawal to identify those responsible for the road closures, alleging that the Sindh government was behind the restrictions.
“They have no control over their own chief minister, or is someone else running the government?” Afridi asked.
He also criticised what he described as the long-standing neglect of Karachi, saying the city had remained deprived despite being a major contributor to the country’s economy.
Afridi further alleged that the authorities were disregarding court orders and claimed that “two families” had been imposed on Pakistan.
Police cite security concerns
Authorities, however, said the restrictions were linked to security concerns rather than an attempt to prevent the PTI convoy from entering Karachi.
Police contacted PTI leaders and advised Karachi chapter president Faheem Khan to change the route towards Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, according to sources.
The PTI had sought permission last month to hold a gathering on Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, but officials said permission had not been granted.
Police warned that no rally or procession would be allowed without the required permission and that legal action could be taken if the restrictions were violated.
Additional security personnel were also deployed around Mazar-e-Quaid.
Traffic restrictions disrupt key routes
Traffic remained affected on several major roads in Karachi, with authorities closing or restricting routes in different parts of the city.
New MA Jinnah Road and Corridor Three were closed, while sections of MA Jinnah Road, the route from Gurumandir towards Numaish Chowrangi and the road from Capri Cinema towards Numaish Chowrangi were also shut.
The road between Allah Wali Chowrangi and Noorani Chowrangi was closed in both directions, while traffic heading towards MA Jinnah Road and Corridor Three from Numaish Chowrangi was also diverted.
The route from Super Highway Zero Point towards Shahrah-e-Pakistan was closed, while some sections of Rashid Minhas Road in Gulshan-e-Iqbal were also affected.
Traffic from Water Pump in Federal B Area was diverted towards Nagan Chowrangi, while vehicles from Shafiq Mor were directed towards Water Pump through the Sohrab Goth Underpass.
Traffic police advised motorists to use alternative routes as the closures caused disruption on surrounding roads.
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Afridi vows to reach Karachi
Addressing supporters in Hyderabad, Afridi again criticised the restrictions and directly appealed to Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.
“My message to Bilawal Zardari is that you should accept that what is happening is being done by your government,” he said.
“If not, then name who is doing it. What you are doing is not the tradition of Sindh,” he added.
Afridi reiterated that he would reach Karachi despite the alleged hurdles.
“I promise that I will not leave Sindh without reaching Karachi,” he said.
The PTI convoy later reached Kotri, according to the party.
PTI prepares alternative plan
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja also addressed party workers in Karachi, describing September 27 as a day for “freedom” and reaffirming the party’s campaign for what it calls “real freedom”.
The mobilisation drive is aimed at building support for PTI’s demands, including the release of party founder Imran Khan and his immediate medical treatment.
PTI leader Jamal Siddiqui said the party had prepared an alternative plan after permission for the gathering was denied.
Under the plan, specially designed trucks would be used as temporary stages at different locations, allowing party leaders and workers to hold activities wherever the vehicles stopped.
Murtaza Wahab says PTI can come to Karachi
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said PTI could come to the city but warned that political activity would have to remain within the law.
“Pakistan Peoples Party rallies also have containers placed [along routes]. These containers cannot stop political workers from reaching their destination,” Wahab said.
The East district administration separately announced that gatherings around Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam and Mazar-e-Quaid would not be permitted.
Officials said political activity within 10 feet of the mausoleum’s outer wall was also prohibited under the law.
The developments come ahead of PTI’s planned September 27 nationwide protest, with the party continuing its mobilisation campaign across Sindh and authorities maintaining heightened security in Karachi.
