KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) cancelled its planned rally on Shahrah-e-Quaidin in Karachi after authorities refused to grant permission for the gathering.
The East District administration announced that restrictions on rallies, processions and demonstrations around Shahrah-e-Quaidin and Mazar-e-Quaid would remain in place on Sunday.
The Deputy Commissioner said no rally, procession or political gathering would be allowed around Mazar-e-Quaid. He warned that legal action would be taken if a gathering was held without official permission.
Authorities said the restrictions were imposed under laws protecting the sanctity of Mazar-e-Quaid, under which rallies, demonstrations and processions are prohibited within its premises.
Karachi Police also contacted PTI leadership and directed the party to change its route if it intended to proceed toward Shahrah-e-Quaidin.
Meanwhile, traffic police said several roads in the area had been closed to traffic, including New MA Jinnah Road and Corridor III. Both sides of MA Jinnah Road, the road from Gurumandir to Numaish Chowrangi, and the road from Seven Day Hospital toward Numaish Chowrangi were also closed.
The development came as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi arrived in Karachi along with PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh.
The cancellation of the rally follows heightened political activity by PTI in Karachi, with the party facing restrictions over its proposed gathering near Mazar-e-Quaid.
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