Karachi, January 10, 2026: The Deputy Commissioner East has granted permission to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold a public rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah in Karachi on Sunday, subject to strict conditions aimed at maintaining law and order.
The “historic” public gathering was announced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi during his ongoing three-day visit to Sindh as part of PTI’s street mobilisation campaign.
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, in a statement, said the no-objection certificate (NOC) for the rally had been issued with clearly defined conditions, making the organisers fully responsible for security, discipline, and traffic management during the event.
He said speeches against the country or state institutions would not be allowed, while the use of provocative language, objectionable material, or sectarian remarks was strictly prohibited. The minister added that ensuring smooth traffic flow in surrounding areas would also fall under the responsibility of the rally organisers.
Sharjeel Memon further warned that the programme must conclude within the stipulated time mentioned in the NOC, cautioning that any violation of the conditions could result in action. He said the district administration reserved the right to cancel the permission at any stage due to security concerns, stressing that strict compliance with all terms was mandatory.
Meanwhile, PTI Sindh leader Raja Azhar said the party had not yet received the NOC. “Even if permission is granted, arrangements cannot be made at this stage,” he said, adding that PTI had decided to stage the gathering at the public gate of Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum instead.
Chief Minister Afridi arrived in Karachi on Friday for a three-day visit to Sindh to mark the first anniversary of what PTI terms the “fraudulent” February 8, 2024 general elections. Unlike his recent visit to Punjab—where members of his delegation reportedly clashed with security personnel—his first day in Sindh passed without incident.
Upon arrival at Karachi airport, Afridi was received by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Saeed Ghani, who presented him with a Sindhi topi and ajrak. From the airport, the KP chief minister reached the Karachi Press Club after a six-hour journey, where he addressed party workers and the journalist community.
As part of his visit, Afridi also travelled to Jamshoro, where he addressed a welcome event and launched a sharp critique of the PPP leadership. He alleged that President Asif Ali Zardari had “ended” the politics of former prime ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, and accused the party of altering the Constitution’s basic structure through the 26th and 27th amendments.
The KP chief minister claimed that the people of Sindh now wanted change and alleged that those ruling at the Centre were doing so with a “fake mandate.” He said his struggle was aligned with the rights of Sindh’s people, true democracy, and freedom, and aimed at the supremacy of the Constitution, restoration of an independent judiciary, a free media, and the rule of law.
He also called on supporters to prepare for a street movement and urged them to respond whenever a call was given.
