Procession Begins from Sohrab Goth Amid Strong Party Show of Strength
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) formally launched its Karachi to Hyderabad march on Saturday, marking a key phase of its ongoing street movement. The procession was led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who is spearheading the party’s mobilisation drive in Sindh.
The march began from Karachi’s Sohrab Goth area, where a large number of PTI workers, supporters, and party officials gathered early in the day. Party flags, banners, and slogans filled the area as the convoy prepared to move towards Hyderabad. Security arrangements were in place as the procession set off, accompanied by Afridi’s official convoy and protocol.
Speaking to journalists at the Toll Plaza before departing Karachi, CM Afridi said the party had received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from PTI supporters in the city. He described the public response as encouraging and said it reflected growing dissatisfaction with the current political and economic situation.
Afridi stated that PTI’s political activities were peaceful and constitutional. He stressed that his party had the same democratic right to organise rallies and meetings as any other political party in the country.
PTI Awaits Rally Permission, Raises Concerns Over Restrictions
Referring to PTI’s planned large public rally in Karachi scheduled for Sunday, CM Afridi said the party had not yet received written permission from the authorities. He expressed concern over what he described as selective restrictions on PTI’s political activities.
“So far, we have not been given written approval for the rally,” Afridi said. He added that PTI leaders were in contact with the relevant authorities and hoped the matter would be resolved in time.
Afridi emphasised that his mandate from the party leadership was clear. He said he had been authorised to negotiate, coordinate, and engage with political stakeholders to ensure that PTI’s activities proceed within the law.
The KP chief minister also criticised the Punjab government’s behaviour during his recent visit to Lahore. He termed the treatment of PTI leaders and workers as “unfavourable” and said such actions only deepen political divisions. He urged provincial governments to respect political pluralism and democratic norms.
PTI leaders accompanying the march echoed similar concerns. They claimed the party was facing administrative hurdles in multiple provinces. Despite this, they said the street movement would continue peacefully.
Busy Political Schedule Planned in Hyderabad
After addressing the media, CM Afridi departed Karachi for Hyderabad as part of the ongoing march. According to party sources, his schedule in Hyderabad is packed with political and organisational engagements.
During his stay, Afridi is expected to meet senior lawyers and legal experts to discuss constitutional and political matters. He will also hold meetings with leaders of like-minded political parties to explore coordination on future protests and political activities.
The KP chief minister is also scheduled to address an event organised by PTI’s women’s wing. He will later speak at a convention of the Insaf Student Federation (ISF), where youth mobilisation and organisational strategy will be discussed.
In addition, Afridi plans to visit several areas across Hyderabad to meet party workers and local supporters. PTI leaders say these interactions are aimed at energising the party’s grassroots ahead of upcoming rallies and demonstrations.
After completing his engagements in Hyderabad, CM Afridi is expected to return to Karachi later the same night. PTI leaders say the Karachi rally planned for Sunday will be a major test of the party’s street power in Sindh.
The Karachi to Hyderabad march is being seen as a significant step in PTI’s broader campaign to increase pressure on the government through public mobilisation.
