KARACHI:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has declared that it will hold its December 25 rally in Karachi even if the government does not cooperate with it. But it simultaneously admits that it will need government security as it expects half a million people to show up.
The government has currently banned political gatherings under a law called Section 144 of the Pakistan Penal Code. “We don’t need government permission for this rally as it is being held in a public place,” said the party’s chief in Sindh, Naeem-ul Haq. “But we have sent a letter to the government informing it of the rally.” But for their part, home department adviser Sharafuddin Memon said that if a letter had been sent to them, he wasn’t aware of it yet.
PTI members went around Bagh-e-Quaid on Saturday to survey the spot and briefed journalists on their preparations. PTI Sindh General Secretary Dr Alvi couldn’t hold back comment. “This land was supposed to be made into a park but it is filled with rocks. The few trees that were planted have dried up and there is open sewerage and garbage everywhere. There is no reason we shouldn’t be able to hold the rally here.”
Party workers have been ordered to start cleaning the plot two days before the rally. “The empty plot’s condition will actually improve because of the rally, as we will clean and possibly even level it.” A confident Dr Alvi went on to say that perhaps the government did not want to cooperate with the PTI as it was becoming a big power in the country.
The plot is located directly across Mazaar-e-Quaid near Numaish Chowrangi, a popular spot for political gatherings in the city. It is fenced off from all sides and is surrounded by roads on three. The party claims that the rally will not cause any major traffic jams but it expects more people to turn up than the Lahore rally. Party supporters are expecte to be bussing in from across Sindh.
Haq described the spot as perfect for the rally. “We are expecting at least half a million people and there is no other place in Karachi that can hold this many people,” he said. “It is more secure than the open road.”
The rally is taking place on Christmas Day and Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s birth anniversary. This had led Sindh Information Minister Shazia Marri to earlier question the PTI’s timing as it could make it difficult for Karachi’s Christians to commute. The PTI’s response was that no churches were located in the vicinity, they were not shutting down any roads and Christmas celebrations wouldn’t be taking place at the time of the rally.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 11th, 2011
COMMENTS (65)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@QB: Why can't we be Sindhis, Punjabis , Balochis or Sarhadis while still being Pakistani. Sorry to say but calling myself Sindhi does not negate the fact that I am Pakistani.
@Aamer Khawaja: Such immature and irresponsible comment. Sindh has never been "unwelcoming" for outsiders. It's the outsiders that forget their generosity.
Imran khan (Captain) is the only hope for the pakistani people's. Accordind to me only Imran khan have vision. I mean he has ability to lead the pakistani people's. he is an honest man. its my personal opinion my be some people donot agree with me. Imran khan is enough for us. no body can change him (His decion). no one can purchase him. he never bow his head in front any strom. he is man of principal. GOD help him. I think he never Disappoint us.
Regards
A True Pakistani
@Ch Allah Daad:
Imran Khan is going great .......He has already crush Nawaz Sharif now its others turn.
Dec 25th is a very blessed day - Christmas and Quad's birthday. It is a good Omen. It is a new begining, full of hope and life. Welcome Imran Khan . . .the people's leader! Good luck on this lucky day and may God bless you and your message of hope for the people of Pakistan and world peace and humanity! Welcome to Karachi!!
@Aamer Khawaja: Karachi is the only cosmopolis in the country and welcomes everybody. This means every Tim, Tom Dick and Harry and Mary comes here to stay and stays. That is where you are emormously mistaken. Salams and have a nice day
Go ahead with your rally Imran Khan and maybe a million will attend. My vote goes to your party as long as the election seat contender is an honest man living within his wherewithal (means).
Salams to all honest persons
@tanzeel - hopefully MQM will help IK in issuing the permit.
@Ch Allah Daad: How about having a poor midget dance in Larkana before Noon Goons rally?
its weird how ppl are blaming MQM here.. MQM hasnt said a word against or for IK? rather under the table mqm and imran khan have an understanding mainly to make it difficult for anp to survive in Karachi. You people just need a reason to blame MQM. Cheap marketing tactics
I hope and pray its a huge success. Bigger than Lahore!
Looks like we gotta come wearing helmets!
Even without permit? I thought this party of so-called champions of revolution would teach us to obey the law. They are urging us to break the law just for the sake of a rally.
The way IK Tsunami is picking up and getting ready to wipe off the old faces from the stadium of politics there is a very fare chance that people like Mohammad Amir and Salman But may join his team and help him spot fix the political matche ............... Let’s sit in the stand and watch the game it will definitely get interesting at the last few overs.
@Sheheryar: First you dont need to clarify if you're from Punjab or Balochistan. Im from Karachi myself. Plus the spread of Islam, well it wasnt that Sindh had a choice.
Its not good for PTI to hold rally on 25th of Dec. Its day of respect for founder of Pakistan and religious day for christian brothers. Imran should not hold those people hostage and confine them to listen his speech. Their claim of participant numbers will be disputed. Its same situation when people used to go to see Imran in stadiun and Muddassar would think that people have come to see him. Thousands of people will be paying respect and spending time around Quaid's Mazar and PTI would think that they have come to listen their speeches.
It's an significant day Charismis and Qaids birth day,We wish PTI all the best may god be with them.PTI is the only hope we are left with.
All the best ,
make it 26th, it doesnt really matter...
just like all other political parties - no care for minorities and sticking to their own agenda. the christians had requested PTI to change the date of the rally - yes maybe no roads are being blocked but most christians celebrate xmas with families and will not be able to attend church. no concern for the chrisian community of pakistan like most political parties. way to go PTI - u can say wat u want ur just "another" political party!!!
No Punjabi, Sindhi, Baloochi or Sarhadi. Let's go as proud Pakistanis who can change the tide of the time by getting rid of the current elite. Vote for IK. Change the Pakistan.
Looking for tickets from US to Karachi to attend the rally.
Karachites badly need a national party like PTI to unite all the ethnic groups living in karachi. PTI has got roots in every ethnic group in karachi. PTI has a very good chance to establish itself as a major political force in karachi. People of karachi r fed up with MQM, PPP & ANP violent politics & want a change. Insha Allah 25th dec jalsa will be a huge success.
Why people are worried about MQM and PPP approval? Does Tsunami request for approval? I will come by any mean to contribute for my country. The only authority you should seek for approval is Allah. Uth Baand kamar kia darta hay :: Phir Dekh KHUDA kia karta hay
Hey bro, Don't point out Sindhis @Pakistani27:
Government should have some shame and allow PTI jalsa, even if the government does not allow the jalsa, it will happen, we will be there, Inshallah we will see who will stop us, and MIND all those in Govt. if you try to stop this tsunami, there will be nothing but bloodshed. And you wont get away with it. People, after long long time, there is a hope, plz welcome it, be part of the change!!! Allah protect Imran khan and all Pakistanis!
IK must not expect much from a city where your 'race' comes before anything else.
Hope sanity will prevail, someday.
PTI re-hiring these so called tested dry cleaned politicans who have been tested time and again. PTI is all the same. I don't see bright future for Imran Khan based on a lahore jalsa. I see opportunist more in his ranks then sincere people. My vote is for MQM because of Mustafa Kamal.
MQM is not SINDH government. Section 144 is imposed by SINDH government of which MQM is a part and PPP is the major leader. Please stop blaming MQM (or any other party) without any rhyme or reason. The problem lies with Sindh government. The permission will be granted since PTI is not backing out so stop worrying and concentrate on making the rally a success instead of worrying about other parties. The statements of postponing the rally due to christmas or security reasons etc are being given by PPP leaders and not MQM or PMLN.
Inshallah the rally will be bigger than Lahore's rally and people from every walk of like and from every ethnic background will attend.
@MarkH: My friend...you might be over-complicating the situation. Its as simple as this. The very fact that they are going ahead with this is because one of the most popular Christians in Pakistan...Mr. Samson Sharaf is on PTI leadership team and is also on-board and has garnered community support for it. Please understand the convergence of positive symbols...Birth of an esteemed Prophet (Jesus), Birth of a great man (Quaid-e-Azam), and Birth of hope (PTI)...at the end of the day, it is trio celebration we are talking about!
Just two things:
I'm not pro PTI but we have tried all other political parties - let's give PTI a chance - how much worse can it get ?
Being a pakistani, first off, i've great respect for and honour Quaid e Azam and equally for all christians. But i think, all these people who are talking about the 25th being a holy day and PTI would disgrace it - how much honour have they given to Quaid e Azam's idelogy to this day with their rubbish policies? Have they solved the mystery of shahbaz bhatti? We as a nation don't respect anything and anybody - so leave this moral blame gaming. If a party wants to hold a rally there, so be it.
Don't repeat past mistake in next election and vote for Imran Khan..
Save Pakistan...Support Imran...best of luck PTI for 25th Dec rally.
@Sonieel: very good man Load shedding of Gas and Electricity, unclean drinking water and increasing Inflation are bigger problems for Christian community then a Jalsa in Karachi. They are trying to use Christian Card against PTI.
Welcome IK, you are providing an opportunity to Karachites; to become a part of change and to visit Quaid's Tomb for the first time (Majority)
The result of this match between Nawaz and Imran would be decided in the final over.
Best of Luck Imran Khan. We wish you success and we wish you go beyond Pakistan's expectations
Not that it bothers me one way or another but, this says he does have bias and is not thinking about everyone with his present and future actions. A leader is sympathetic to the values of all his people. His future values are stuck in the past. PTI is siding with past tradition over present concerns to be dealt with. People can, and have been saying "it's just a rally" so it's not a big deal. They're right, too. It's just a rally. That's why it shouldn't be a big deal to take those concerns into consideration. The date isn't going to make anyone any more qualified to be in office. People can also use Qaid as a justification and to that: So what if it is? He's not there. Or is it you're actually afraid of change though it's used as a defining slogan? There's no change in that. It's pretty typical. Some past action/belief being the cause of devaluing minorities in the present and future. It doesn't hurt my feelings any. Do what you want. But, PTI is supposed to be known for their honesty. They should lay off the claims of seeing people as equal and wanting to improve their current living situations. You don't care at all. The fact it was confusing when it was brought up to many people as a source of discontent shows that. You're not looking from their view point for a brighter future. Whether it's lack of desire or inability is unknown.
@Everyone: People claim that they aren't happy with the way IK is gathering the same old people. Three days ago, neither was I. But then I realized that in a country where people are so indifferent towards what happens in the political arena and where no one new is standing up to take charge, Imran has no other choice than to get those people to support him, and not oppose him. You have to realize that he can’t win the elections on his own. If his party doesn’t win he doesn’t get to be prime minister and bring real change. In order to make his party sweep the elections he needs a good part of the same “old faces”. Now I admit this is hard to watch, but can you blame him? If no one else is standing up to take part in the elections he has to make do with those who have been in politics for the past years. In the end this may prove to be quite a political masterstroke: Divide and conquer. It has proven extremely effective so far; just ask the British! Support Imran! Vote for Imran! Stand for Change!
Although I cannot attend the rally bcz i m from KPK and nowadys I m in KSA but my sincere prayers are with you (PTI). Inshallah very soon we will get rid of these corrupt system. Go ahead........ Pakistan Zindabad..
@Aamer Khawaja: Sindh was the gateway of Islam in subcontinent. So get your facts right. Btw Im from Punjab.
Imran Khan Zindabad! PTI zindabad!
InshAllah Imran will relieve Pakistan from the government of dacoits, mafias, bhatta khors, and the corrupt incompetent liars.
@Ch Allah Daad: your comments are baseless Mr. you need to give logical reason how Quaid will disgraced by rally?
Karachi welcomes Imran Khan! MQM show your democratic spirit and expedite the permit!!
One wonders why MQM are NOT expediting the required permits since it is they (MQM) who control Karachi via the ballots, MQM is full of Highly educated persons, it is clear their MANDATE must mention Elections and public meetings are the PROPER way forward or maybe the PPP have FORCED them not to assist P.T.I ....it is quite obvious TODAY even to the blind deaf and dumb IMRAN can now pull in the masses and creating such childish road blocks brings LOCAL and INTERNATIONAL shame to our Pakistan.
I am a Christan and will attend the rally after Church.
If Christmas is a day of mourning then PTI shall avoid it but if it is a day of joy then all are welcome
PTI is gaining some serious momentum now and this Karachi jalsa will only reinforce that fact. All those who've been writing off PTI must be surely be feeling like fools now.
PPP & MQM will definitely try to make this procession unsuccessful, however people of Karachi and Sindh will break all barriers and will attend this procession. Pakistani people are fed up with current corrupt leaders..Change will never come unless 3rd big party comes in to power...
I am not christian.. neither are my relatives and friends going to the rally.. Chrisitians can go to their churches.. but it is matter for pakistan.. our country is sinking.. we need to come out!!!
Now that's the spirit! May be this way civilians will be able to clean up the park that has not gotten govt's attention in a long time.
Imran is counting on thousands of visitors who come to Maza-e-Quaid on 25th of Dec. Government should not allow Imran to disrepct our Quaid and our Christian Bothers. 25th of December is a day to remember founder of Pakistan and celeberat Christmas. Kids can have fun some other day.
All boxast are from government just make to excuse for not granting pti rally!
half a million.... means 5 lac??........ Thats too much, but it is not impossible. I mean if Lahore can do it, then why not karachi??..
imran khan zaindabad
pti has chosen Quaid-e-azam day--- do not mix it please;
You know what's more difficult for the Christian community than the rally? The insecure situation created for them by the most corrupt government in the history of Pakistan. So I request all the political thugs to quit their blabbering and point scoring on the minority right front. Go clean up the mess with this war of terror so that maybe our society will be less polarized and we will be much more accepting as a nation. For now, I will support this rally if it's on Christmas, Eid or Holi...
Go PTI !! Shame on the Sindhi government!! MY vote goes to PTI :D
we should! go go go imran we're with you...:)
Sindh is always unwelcoming for outsiders, thank God we have Punjab
we are with you Imran and will be attending the rally even those decoits in sind assembly stop us.
GO PTI...InshAllah my city wont disappoint U!