News
January 16, 2026
PTI Holds Karachi Power Show amid Crackdown Claims
Karachi: Despite arrests, roadblocks, baton charges and lack of proper arrangements required for a public meeting, the opposition PTI managed to stage a power show at Bagh-i-Jinnah late Sunday evening as part of its street mobilization drive ahead of its February 8 nationwide protest call.
The provincial authorities alleged high-handed tactics also appeared to replace the earlier bonhomie created by the Sindh government’s welcoming reception of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi, triggering a war of words between PTI and the PPP-led Sindh government.
Police sources told Dawn that they had clear instructions from the Sindh government “not to use force” and therefore avoided aggressive action, barring what they described as “slight use” near Bagh-i-Jinnah. They claimed PTI workers attacked police mobiles and personnel with stones, prompting a few policemen to resort to tear gas shelling and baton charges, but these actions were quickly halted to prevent an escalation of violence.
Sources said police created temporary hindrances without placing heavy containers, aiming only to slow the movement of rally participants. They added that police were also instructed not to manhandle CM Afridi or his convoy. While his movement was slowed in the Gadap area, he was not stopped.
Addressing the gathering, CM Afridi delivered a brief speech, alleging that both the Punjab and Sindh governments treated him and his party unfairly. He said the PTI would now focus on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and spread the message of jailed party founder Imran Khan across the country through street mobilization.
He thanked the people of Sindh and Karachi for giving him a warm reception and joining the rally. “The people have demonstrated that they stand with Imran Khan,” he said, adding that those who believed Imran Khan’s politics had ended should witness the public response.
Mr Afridi said the rally proved that a large gathering could be held even without facilities or arrangements, accusing the Sindh government of creating hurdles that were ultimately removed by the people. He claimed the massive turnout showed PTI was a representative party of Karachi.
He accused the Sindh government of insulting Sindhi cultural symbols, including the Sindhi topi and ajrak.
He also alleged that the PPP, along with others, had altered the structure of the Constitution and established a “dictatorship” in Sindh.
Mr Afridi said the public was ready to march to Islamabad’s D-Chowk and was awaiting a call from Imran Khan. “We will not allow anyone to usurp our rights or keep the leader of the nation imprisoned without justification,” he vowed, adding that what he described as the Sindh government’s “fascism” would be remembered for a long time.
Earlier, the PTI alleged its supporters were met with shelling in the afternoon at the previously announced venue of Bagh-i-Jinnah.
The Sindh government had permitted the PTI to hold a rally at Bagh-i-Jinnah. However, the PTI, citing a delay in receiving the permit, earlier announced it would organize the gathering at one of the gates of Mazar-i-Quaid.
PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh alleged CM Afridi’s convoy faced delays “due to obstructions at various places, and the public’s affection, welcomes and responses at numerous places”.
Mr Sheikh shared a video on X wherein a woman said police have resorted to shelling at party supporters at “Mazar-i-Quaid’s garden”.
He lashed out at the Sindh police and government for their actions.
PTI spokesperson Mohammad Ali Bozdar told Dawn that police had blocked roads and were not allowing party workers to enter Bagh-i-Jinnah, where the government had previously allowed the party to hold the rally.
He reiterated his allegation that police had blocked roads in various areas and were preventing PTI workers from reaching the new venue of Mazar-i-Quaid’s VIP gate as well. The PTI said the Sindh police had “attempted to prevent” CM Afridi’s convoy from moving forward, but the party leaders “had the path reopened with the help of party workers”.
‘Routes blocked’
CM Afridi claimed in a post on X that “upon my return from Hyderabad, all routes for me and my entire team have been blocked. For the past four hours, I’ve been switching between different routes. At 4:23am, we’ve now set off toward Karachi on a deserted road”.
“Pakistan belongs to all of us. Do not spread hatred here to such an extent that it becomes impossible to return from that point. Fake democratic forces are not leaving any stone unturned in this. This is extremely shameful,” he said.
However, Hyderabad SSP Adeel Chandio told Dawn that “no obstruction was created in the convoy and rally of KP CM in Hyderabad until he left the city”. “And he left the city safely,” he added.
‘Attack’ on media persons
Separately, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar took notice of an “attack” on Aaj News’ vehicle near Gurumandir Chowrangi.
He also directed the East district senior superintendent of police to immediately provide details on “police action”.
“Miscreant elements will be dealt with firmly. We will not let anyone sabotage law and order,” Mr Lanjar asserted.
Minister tenders apology
Meanwhile, speaking to Geo News, Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah tendered an apology to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for any “unpleasant incident” that he may have faced during his ongoing visit to Sindh. “I personally apologize if something [unpleasant] happened somewhere, as this should not happen,” Mr Shah said. -Dawn
Courtesy Dawn
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