The PTI's Resolve: A Public Gathering at Mazar-i-Quaid Amidst Police Raids and Road Blocks
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party is determined to hold a public gathering at Mazar-i-Quaid in Karachi, despite alleged attempts by the Sindh police to hinder their workers' access to the venue. The party's leaders, including Sohail Afridi, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, are leading the movement, with a three-day visit to Sindh. The visit began in Karachi on Friday and included a stop in Hyderabad, with the final day's agenda being a public gathering in Karachi.
However, the PTI faced challenges when the Sindh police raided Bagh-i-Jinnah, the initially planned venue, on Saturday night, causing violence against party workers. This led to a shift in the rally's location to Mazar-i-Quaid, with the police accused of blocking roads and preventing workers from entering Bagh-i-Jinnah. The PTI's spokesperson, Mohammad Ali Bozdar, claimed that the police had blocked roads and were not allowing party workers to enter the venue, despite the government's approval.
The PTI's Sindh President, Haleem Adil Sheikh, criticized the Sindh government for their actions, questioning their motives and integrity. He highlighted the government's earlier welcome of the Chief Minister at the Karachi airport, presenting a Sindh cap and Ajrak. Sheikh also addressed the decision to hold the gathering outside one of the gates of Mazar-i-Quaid, emphasizing that it does not block any routes.
The party's spokesperson, Fauzia Siddiqui, posted updates on X, stating that the public gathering would be held at Mazar-i-Quaid at 2 pm. She also mentioned that the Sindh government wasted their time by not issuing the necessary no-objection certificate (NOC) in time. The Home Minister, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, warned of strict action if any public meeting was held on the road, emphasizing the government's authority.
Despite the challenges, the PTI's leaders and members, including Raja Azhar and Faheem Khan, remained resolute, claiming that police brutality and road blocks could not dampen the people's morale. They urged the public to participate in the rally, terming the alleged road blocks as an attack on the people's rights. The Secretary General, Salman Akram Raja, spoke out against the police's treatment of PTI members, detailing instances of car smashing and unlawful detentions.
The Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi, also claimed that routes were blocked from Hyderabad to Karachi, leading to a seven-hour journey through jungles. He expressed frustration with the Sindh government's actions, warning that such treatment would have detrimental consequences. The Senior Minister, Sharjeel Inam Memon, from the Sindh government, defended their actions, claiming the PTI was not abiding by the assurances given and causing traffic disruptions.
The PTI's determination to hold the public gathering at Mazar-i-Quaid, despite the obstacles, showcases their commitment to their cause. The controversy surrounding the police's actions and the government's responses adds a layer of complexity to the situation, inviting public discussion and debate.
