Security on High Alert Near Mazar-e-Quaid: PTI Rally Expected During Sohail Afridi Karachi Visit

Security remains on high alert around Mazar-e-Quaid as authorities review a PTI request for a public gathering during KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s Karachi visit. Law-enforcement agencies assess risks after recent terror alerts, while political negotiations stall and street mobilisation plans move ahead.

Security on High Alert Near Mazar-e-Quaid as PTI Rally Decision Nears

Security stays tight near Mazar-e-Quaid this week. With police vans, checkpoints, and patrols around Bagh-e-Jinnah as authorities prepared for a key decision. The request came from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ahead of KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s Karachi visit from January 9 to 11.

The Sindh administration has not approved a public rally yet. Officials wait for final law and order reports from security agencies. These reports are due by Friday. Recent disclosures about a terrorism plan raised concerns. That factor now drives every security move in Karachi.

PTI asked to hold a gathering near Mazar-e-Quaid. The party says it will follow the code of conduct. Authorities remain cautious. They may deny permission if risk levels rise. However, officials plan to allow Sohail Afridi and party members to offer Fateha at the mausoleum under strict security.

At the political level, talks between the government and PTI appear unlikely. Sources say negotiation options continue to fade. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan now backs a hard line against talks. On the other side, Senator Rana Sanaullah, the prime minister’s adviser on political affairs, has shifted position and targeted the PTI founder and his wife. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has openly rejected negotiations.

Meanwhile, PTI pushes street mobilisation in Sindh. Karachi sits at the center of that plan. For now, all eyes remain on the security clearance near Mazar-e-Quaid. The final call will shape Karachi’s political temperature in the coming days.