Afridi vows to reach Karachi despite Sindh govt's 'hurdles'

سندھ حکومت کی رکاوٹوں کے باوجود کراچی پہنچنے کا عزم، سہیل آفریدی

Afridi vows to reach Karachi despite Sindh govt's 'hurdles'

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has vowed to reach Karachi despite alleged hurdles placed by the Sindh government, saying he will not leave the province without visiting the port city. "[No matter] the hurdles they create along the way, I will still reach Karachi," Afridi said while addressing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers at Tando Jam in Hyderabad. Afridi is in Sindh as part of the party's outreach ahead of its planned long march to Islamabad.

Speaking at the Tando Jam toll plaza, Afridi said Sindh had a tradition of welcoming guests but alleged that the provincial government was attempting to obstruct his convoy. "The Sindh government is trying to create hurdles for our convoy," he said, alleging that the authorities were digging pits and placing containers to block their route. Meanwhile, the Karachi police contacted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and informed them of security concerns, according to sources.

Police also advised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Karachi President Faheem Khan to change the route for travelling towards Shahrah-e-Quaidin. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had sought permission last month to hold a gathering on Shahrah-e-Quaidin, but permission had not been granted, according to officials. Police said no rally or procession would be allowed and warned that legal action would be taken if a gathering was held without permission.

Speaking in Hyderabad, Afridi also addressed Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari over the restrictions. "My message to Bilawal Zardari is that you should accept that what is happening is being done by your government," he said. "If not, then name who is doing it. What you are doing is not the tradition of Sindh," Afridi added. He reiterated his commitment to reaching Karachi, saying: "I promise that I will not leave Sindh without reaching Karachi."