Sindh issues NOC for PTI rally in Bagh-e-Jinnah after change of venue

In an interesting turn of events, the Sindh government issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah on Sunday, soon after the party changed its rally venue to the Mazar-e-Quaid public gate, citing prolonged delays in approval by the authorities.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who arrived in Karachi on Friday for a three-day visit to Sindh, had earlier announced that a rally would be held at Bagh-e-Jinnah on Sunday, subject to the approval of the provincial government and local administration.

When permission was not granted by Saturday afternoon, the PTI canceled its plans for Bagh-e-Jinnah and announced that the rally would instead be held at the Mazar-e-Quaid public gate on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Addressing a press conference at Bagh-e-Jinnah on Saturday, PTI Sindh president Haleem Adil Sheikh slammed the provincial authorities for what he described as obstruction of the party’s political activities.

Sheikh said following the announcement of KP Chief Minister’s visit to Sindh, the provincial government offered protocol and security, but the party clarified that it only sought constitutional and political freedom to engage with the public.

He said formal applications had been submitted to the Eastern Deputy Commissioner for permission to hold a rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah, adding that security charges amounting to Rs2.5 million have also been deposited with the Mazar-e-Quaid committee.

“Despite all legal requirements being fulfilled, written permission or NOC was not granted. At 5:15 p.m., the gate of Bagh-e-Jinnah was suddenly closed and police blocked the entry of materials,” the PTI Sindh president said.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf returns equipment after canceling rally in Bagh-e-Jinnah. Photo: Express

Announcing the change of venue, Sheikh said the party would now hold its rally at Mazar-e-Quaid Public Gate on Sunday, January 11, at 2 p.m. instead of the originally scheduled 4 p.m. He said that the KP Chief Minister would be present and address the meeting.

He urged the people of Karachi to participate in a “peaceful and robust” manner. “PTI is a peaceful political party. The entire city saw thousands of people coming out without damaging a single element. The public reception shows that PTI remains at the forefront. Our leader is Imran Khan and we stand for the Constitution, democracy and non-violent struggle,” he said.

Sheikh said that the KP Chief Minister and the party delegation were in Sindh to convey Imran Khan’s message to the public through street movement.

Learn more: KP CM Afridi says PTI to hold rally in Karachi despite lack of written approval

Speaking alongside PTI President Karachi Raja Azhar, General Secretary Arsalan Khalid, Fahim Khan, Balochistan President Dawood Shah Kakar, Alamgir Khan, Barrister Shujaat Ali Khan and other senior leaders, Sheikh said the reception in Karachi was “proud and historic”.

“On January 9, the people of Karachi showed their support for Imran Khan’s message. This proves that the city has always been and will remain Imran Khan’s stronghold,” he said.

However, the situation took another turn when the Sindh government granted permission to hold the rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah after the PTI made arrangements for another venue.

The Sindh government on Saturday evening issued a NOC authorizing the PTI to hold a public rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah. Provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the rally would take place on Sunday and the NOC had attached specific conditions.

According to the conditions, the organizers will be responsible for maintaining public order during the gathering. Provocative speeches, objectionable content and sectarian remarks will not be allowed, just as speeches against Pakistan or state institutions will also not be allowed.

The organizers will be required to ensure the flow of traffic and conclude the program within the stipulated time. The district administration reserves the right to cancel permission for security reasons.

Anarchy will not be tolerated, says Sindh minister

Sindh Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Planning Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said all political parties are free to carry out peaceful political activities in the province, but none will be allowed to take law into their hands.

Speaking to reporters at Karachi Expo Centre, Nasir Shah said that the KP Chief Minister represented the mandate of the people of his province and on the instructions of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, a protocol was provided to him.

He said provincial PTI leaders had been clearly informed that blocking roads under the pretext of functions would not be allowed, warning that the law would take its course if the public was inconvenienced.

Nasir Shah said Sindh had always been hospitable and despite political differences with the PTI, there was no personal animosity. He added that efforts were being made to ensure that the KP Chief Minister’s visit to Sindh remained peaceful.