The Karachi administration has denied permission to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for holding a public meeting during the visit of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, citing security concerns, sources said.
PTI Karachi President Raja Azhar had written to the Deputy Commissioner East requesting approval for a gathering at Bagh-e-Jinnah, adjacent to Mazar-e-Quaid, on Sunday, January 11.
The letter assured authorities of “a peaceful public gathering with full compliance with the code of conduct.”
Following the denial, PTI officials are reportedly exploring alternative arrangements for a public meeting in the city.
Party workers and processions are expected to assemble around Mazar-e-Quaid, where Afridi is likely to address the gathering after paying respects to the Father of the Nation.
According to sources, both provincial authorities have coordinated to ensure a smooth visit.
Sindh Minister Nasir Hussain Shah reportedly contacted PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, assuring him that Afridi would be welcomed and all protocol requirements would be met.
Shah emphasized that issues similar to those previously experienced in Punjab would be avoided and that the arrangements had the support of the party’s senior leadership.
The Sindh government confirmed that all arrangements would comply with legal and constitutional requirements, ensuring a safe and orderly visit.
