By Ahsan Mughal
KARACHI: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged a rally in Karachi, marching from Empress Market to Mazar-e-Quaid despite facing restrictions from authorities. The demonstration drew a sizable crowd of PTI supporters, with party leaders Haleem Adil Sheikh and Aftab Jahangir at the forefront, as participants gathered at Empress Market before making their way towards the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Speaking to the media, Aftab Jahangir revealed that the party had initially planned to commence the rally from the Karachi Press Club, but police had blocked key routes leading to the area, forcing PTI to modify its course. He criticized the restrictions, calling them an attempt to suppress political expression, and reiterated the party’s demand for the release of its founder. According to Jahangir, the march was not only a celebration of Pakistan Day but also a symbolic call for justice, political freedoms, and what he described as an end to state repression against PTI.
As the rally moved through Corridor 3 and reached People’s Chowrangi, it was met with further obstacles. Police had placed barriers near the VIP entrance of Mazar-e-Quaid, preventing participants from proceeding towards the mausoleum. A brief standoff ensued, with PTI leaders negotiating with law enforcement, but after assessing the situation, they ultimately decided to call off the rally, allowing the crowd to disperse peacefully.
