KP CM Sohail Afridi Reaches Hyderabad, Vows to Continue Karachi Rally
Sohail Afridi alleges obstacles were placed along his convoy’s route as Karachi police restrict gatherings around Mazar-i-Quaid.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi arrives in Hyderabad during PTI’s political mobilisation campaign in Sindh.
HYDERABAD, September 6, 2026: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi reached Hyderabad on Sunday and reaffirmed his intention to hold a planned PTI rally in Karachi.
Afridi alleged that authorities had created hurdles for his convoy during its journey through Sindh. He made the remarks while addressing PTI workers in Tando Allahyar.
The KP chief minister travelled with PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar as part of a five-day mobilisation campaign in Sindh. The campaign seeks support for the party’s planned nationwide protest on September 27.
PTI said shortly after 5:30pm that the convoy led by Afridi had entered Hyderabad district.
Sohail Afridi Alleges Roadblocks
Speaking to party workers, Afridi thanked PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for welcoming him to Sindh on social media.
However, he alleged that obstacles had been placed along the convoy’s route.
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Afridi claimed that containers had been positioned on roads and craters had been dug to disrupt the journey. He questioned whether the Sindh government was responsible for the measures.
Despite the alleged hurdles, the KP chief minister said the convoy would continue towards Hyderabad and Karachi.
He also thanked residents of Umerkot for their support and urged Hyderabad residents to prepare for the PTI caravan.
“After Hyderabad, we will be in Karachi by the evening,” Afridi said.
Karachi Police Restrict Public Gatherings
Meanwhile, Karachi’s District East police announced restrictions around Mazar-i-Quaid.
Police said public gatherings, rallies and processions would not be allowed around the landmark. The PTI has planned a rally on Shahrah-i-Quaideen.
According to the police, legal action would follow if any gathering took place without permission.
Security arrangements around Mazar-i-Quaid have also been strengthened. Additional personnel have been deployed, while surveillance at entry and exit points has increased.
At the same time, Karachi Traffic Police closed several roads around the area for security reasons.
Both sides of Shahrah-i-Quaideen were closed to traffic by 6pm. Authorities also diverted traffic from Noorani Chowrangi towards Khalid Bin Waleed Road.
Traffic approaching Allah Wali Chowrangi was diverted towards Tariq Road. In addition, New MA Jinnah Road and roads near the Corridor-III parking plaza faced closures.
PTI Condemns Alleged Restrictions
The PTI condemned what it described as attempts to block its caravan from reaching Karachi.
The party also alleged that workers had been detained in different parts of Sindh. PTI accused the Sindh government of using police deployments and roadblocks to restrict its political activities.
The party contrasted the alleged restrictions with Bilawal’s social media message welcoming Afridi to Sindh.
PTI described the situation as “political hypocrisy” and questioned why a peaceful political rally would face restrictions.
Furthermore, the party demanded the release of workers it said had been taken into custody in Hyderabad, Karachi and other areas.
PTI also called on Bilawal to ensure political freedom in Sindh. It said political rights should apply on the ground, not only through social media statements.
Haleem Adil Sheikh Shares Convoy Video
PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, who accompanied Afridi, also alleged that a vehicle had been placed on the road to block the convoy.
Sheikh shared a video showing himself driving a truck. He claimed the vehicle had been positioned to obstruct the PTI caravan in Tando Allahyar.
Later, Sheikh shared videos that he said showed residents welcoming the convoy in Hyderabad.
The claims could not be independently verified from the material provided.
Bilawal Calls for Political Tolerance
The latest confrontation followed a cordial exchange between Bilawal and Afridi on Saturday.
After Afridi reached Larkana, Bilawal welcomed him to Sindh on social media. He also wished the KP chief minister well for the remainder of his tour.
Bilawal called for a return to politics based on tolerance, respect and coexistence.
Afridi responded by saying democracy depends on political and electoral freedoms. He also referred to an independent judiciary, parliament and free press.
The KP chief minister subsequently expressed hope that large crowds would attend PTI events in Hyderabad and Karachi.
PTI and Sindh Government Face Renewed Political Tensions
Afridi’s latest visit has revived tensions between PTI and the PPP-led Sindh government.
During an earlier Sindh mobilisation campaign, Afridi initially praised the reception given to his delegation. Later, however, he criticised the provincial government over its treatment of PTI leaders and supporters.
PTI also alleged obstacles and violence against its workers before an earlier Karachi rally.
The latest dispute comes as PTI prepares for further street mobilisation. Meanwhile, authorities in Karachi have cited security concerns and restrictions around Mazar-i-Quaid.
For now, Afridi remains determined to reach Karachi and continue the party’s political campaign.
