Sohail Afridi Vows to Reach Karachi as PTI Rally Faces Restrictions

TANDO JAM: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has accused the Sindh government of creating obstacles during his journey toward Karachi, escalating political tensions as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leadership continues its mobilisation campaign in the province. Afridi made the allegations while addressing party workers at the Tando Jam toll plaza during the latest stage of his Sindh tour.

Afridi said he remained determined to reach Karachi despite what he described as attempts to obstruct his convoy. Addressing PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the chief minister called on him to clarify whether the actions being encountered by the PTI delegation were being carried out by the Sindh government. He argued that the treatment of his convoy was inconsistent with Sindh's tradition of hospitality toward visitors.

The KP chief minister told supporters that PTI remained focused on its planned September 27 mobilisation and described the coming protest as a major political event. He said difficulties encountered during the journey would not force him to abandon the Karachi visit, adding that even if he could not reach the city immediately, he intended to continue the attempt rather than leave Sindh without completing the planned stop.

The dispute has developed alongside restrictions announced by Karachi police around Mazar-e-Quaid, where PTI had planned political activity. District East police said public gatherings, rallies and processions would not be permitted around the site without authorisation and warned that legal action could follow if an unauthorised gathering went ahead. Security around the mausoleum was also tightened, with additional personnel and increased monitoring of entry and exit points.

Traffic arrangements in central Karachi were affected as authorities closed or diverted routes around areas connected with the planned gathering. Police cited security considerations for the measures. The restrictions increased the possibility of confrontation between PTI supporters seeking to continue the political programme and law-enforcement personnel responsible for enforcing security and traffic controls.

PTI has separately alleged that its convoy faced roadblocks and that party workers were detained in parts of Sindh. The party has called on the provincial authorities to allow political activity and has criticised what it describes as contradictory signals from the PPP leadership. Those allegations have not erased an earlier exchange in which Bilawal publicly welcomed Afridi to Sindh and spoke in favour of political tolerance, respect and coexistence.

Afridi's Sindh visit forms part of PTI's wider campaign ahead of its September 27 nationwide protest. The party has linked the mobilisation to demands involving its jailed founder Imran Khan and his medical treatment, while senior leaders have been travelling through several Sindh districts to build public participation. The Karachi leg is politically significant because it brings the campaign to Pakistan's largest city and into a province governed by the PPP.

The immediate focus will now be on whether Afridi's convoy reaches its intended Karachi destination and how authorities respond if PTI supporters attempt to gather in restricted areas. Karachi police have already outlined their position on unauthorised rallies, while Afridi has publicly committed to completing the visit. Further statements from PTI, the Sindh government and police are expected to determine whether the confrontation remains political or develops into a wider law-and-order dispute.