PTI cancels today’s public meeting due to denial of permission

Karachi Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Khurrum Sher Zaman has announced the cancellation of the party’s scheduled rally today (Sunday) citing the caretaker Sindh government's denial of permission and arrests of party workers across the city.

"This decision is made with great disappointment, considering the importance of public engagement in the democratic process," Zaman said in a statement issued on Saturday.

He said the Karachi chapter of the PTI was committed to its democratic values and principles, and respected the need for a secure environment during the election campaigns. He added that the denial of permission without valid reasons raised concerns regarding the neutrality of the caretaker Sindh government and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The absence of a level playing field for the PTI to conduct an effective election campaign ahead of the February 8, 2024 general elections is alarming, he said, adding that the PTI questioned the fairness and impartiality of the caretaker government and the ECP both at the federal and provincial levels.

He lamented that the ongoing election process had devolved into a farce. He, however, expressed his trust in the judgement of the Pakistani populace, expressing confidence that they would not tolerate any form of political manipulation or an orchestrated election.

Despite this setback, Zaman said, the Karachi PTI reassured its supporters and the public that it remained steadfast in its commitment to democratic values. He announced that the party would announce a new date for its public meeting as soon as permission was granted.

He urged the caretaker Sindh government and ECP to reconsider their decisions and uphold the democratic principles that formed the foundation of any electoral process.