Sindh bans rallies at Mazar-e-Quaid ahead of Afridi’s visit
The restriction comes as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi heads to the city as part of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) political mobilisation campaign.
Afridi plans to visit Mazar-e-Quaid and offer Fateha while leading a rally towards the shrine.
Officials say the restriction is necessary to maintain law and order and prevent any security situation from developing at the important national monument.
Police tighten security around Quaid’s shrine
Security arrangements around Mazar-e-Quaid have been strengthened ahead of Afridi’s arrival.
Additional police personnel have been deployed around the shrine, while surveillance at entry and exit points has also been increased. Authorities have warned that legal action will be taken against anyone who attempts to hold a rally or public meeting without permission.
Police have also closed or restricted access to several roads in the surrounding areas as part of the security arrangements. The restrictions have also affected traffic movement on some major roads in Karachi, with authorities announcing diversions for motorists.
Afridi heads to Karachi with PTI supporters
Afridi has been travelling through Sindh with PTI leaders and supporters as part of the party’s ongoing political campaign.
The KP chief minister has remained determined to reach Karachi despite restrictions and reported hurdles along the route.
He had earlier said that he would not leave Sindh without holding the planned political activity in Karachi.
According to reports, Afridi’s convoy travelled through areas including Sohrab Goth, Liaquatabad and Guru Mandir before heading towards the city.
The PTI had originally planned its gathering near Mazar-e-Quaid, but authorities did not allow the rally at the location because of security concerns.
Security concerns remain at the centre of restrictions
The district administration says the restrictions are aimed at maintaining law and order.
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Officials have cited security concerns while explaining the decision to prevent rallies and public gatherings around Mazar-e-Quaid. Police have also increased surveillance around the mausoleum and strengthened security at important points.
Authorities have stressed that political activities near the shrine cannot be allowed without the required permission. The move has attracted attention because Afridi’s Karachi visit is part of a wider PTI campaign in Sindh.
PTI rally plans face a change
The restrictions have created uncertainty over the location of the PTI’s planned Karachi gathering.
Reports indicate that the party has considered alternative locations after being denied permission to hold the event near Mazar-e-Quaid. The PTI has continued its political mobilisation campaign across Sindh despite the restrictions.
Afridi has also criticised what he described as hurdles placed in the way of his convoy while travelling towards Karachi. Authorities, however, have maintained that the security situation is the main reason for the restrictions and road closures.
Bilawal welcomes Afridi to Sindh
Earlier, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari welcomed Afridi to Sindh and spoke about the importance of political tolerance.
Bilawal said politics should remain based on tolerance, describing it as an important feature of democracy.
Afridi, in response, stressed the need to protect freedom of speech and political activity.
He also called for an independent judiciary and respect for the public’s electoral mandate. The exchange comes as political tensions remain high between the PTI and the ruling PPP in Sindh.
