Karachi blocks PTI rally near Quaid’s Mausoleum

The District East administration in Karachi has announced that its ban on public gatherings around Shahrah-e-Quaidin and the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum remains in place.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has so far not received permission to hold its September 6 rally on Shahrah-e-Quaidin.

Deputy Commissioner District East said that no public meeting, procession or rally would be permitted in the vicinity of the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum. He warned that any gathering held without permission would result in legal action.

The deputy commissioner said the law protecting the sanctity of the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum prohibits rallies, demonstrations and processions within the mausoleum premises. Political activities are also prohibited within 10 feet of the mausoleum’s outer boundary wall.

He added that violations of the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum law could result in imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.

Meanwhile, the PTI says its Karachi president, Faheem Khan, had submitted an application last month seeking permission to hold the rally. After failing to secure permission, the party has prepared specially designed trucks for a portable rally.

PTI leader Jamal Siddiqui said that under the party’s Plan B, a temporary stage would be set up wherever the trucks stop. He said the party had devised an alternative strategy for holding the rally despite not receiving official permission.

Sources said Karachi police officials had contacted PTI and informed party president Faheem Khan about security concerns. Police also instructed the PTI leadership to change its route to Shahrah-e-Quaidin.