Afridi Arrives in Karachi: Key Route Blocked on 7 Sept

Afridi Arrives in Karachi Amid Container Blockades and Security Concerns

Afridi arrives in Karachi early Monday after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi led the party's mobilisation drive across multiple Sindh districts, accompanied by PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh.

Speaking to supporters at the Tando Jam toll plaza prior to entering the metropolis, Afridi stated that shipping containers had blocked major passages. He noted that his convoy was forced to take detours through rural areas to reach the provincial capital.

Addressing PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Afridi questioned the disparity between online greetings and on-ground restrictions:

"Yesterday Bilawal welcomed us on Twitter, but today the roads have been blocked. They have no control over their own chief minister, or is someone else running the government?"

Afridi further stated that Karachi continues to face neglect despite feeding the entire country. He criticised the political establishment, arguing that two political dynasties remain imposed on Pakistan while administrative authorities disregard judicial directives.

Route Closures and Police Directives Across Karachi

The five-day provincial outreach effort aims to mobilise public participation ahead of a scheduled nationwide demonstration on September 27. Key demands of the march include the release and immediate medical care of PTI founder Imran Khan.

Karachi law enforcement deployed additional personnel around Mazar-e-Quaid, citing security concerns. Authorities notified PTI Karachi President Faheem Khan to alter his route toward Shahrah-e-Quaidin. Police noted that no official gathering permits had been granted, warning of legal action against unsanctioned assemblies.

Multiple arteries experienced severe closures and diversions, including:

Both tracks of MA Jinnah Road, New MA Jinnah Road, and Corridor Three. The stretches from Gurumandir and Capri Cinema heading toward Numaish Chowrangi. The route connecting Allah Wali Chowrangi and Noorani Chowrangi. Segments of Rashid Minhas Road and Super Highway Zero Point toward Shahrah-e-Pakistan.

Traffic authorities advised motorists to use alternative corridors as diversions triggered severe congestion across surrounding arterial networks.