In preparation for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) scheduled gathering in Swabi on November 9, PTI Sindh’s caravan, led by PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, departed from Karachi today.
According to PTI, as the convoy reached Al-Asif Square, a significant police presence attempted to intercept the march and used batons to disperse participants. The police arrested more than two dozen PTI leaders, including Acting General Secretary Dr. Masroor Sial, Karachi Division President Raja Azhar, General Secretary Arsalan Khalid, PTI Labor Wing President Rana Azam, Khurram Saeed, Farooq Ahmed, Sher Azam, Imran Mirza, Syed Ahmed Sohail, and others. They were subsequently taken to Sohrab Goth police station.
Despite police efforts, Haleem Adil Sheikh managed to lead the convoy past the blockade, heading towards the Toll Plaza, where more police forces attempted to stop the caravan Sindh. The caravan faced further resistance when entering Hyderabad, where police seized vehicles. However, smaller groups of PTI supporters continued their journey to Swabi using alternative routes. The caravan is expected to pass through Nawabshah, Naushahro Feroze, Moro, and Sukkur before reaching Swabi via the motorway tonight to participate in the November 9 event.
Speaking to the media at various locations, Haleem Adil Sheikh stated, ‘Bilawal Zardari is trembling at the sight of Sindh’s caravan. The PPP’s dictatorship is evident in Sindh, but we are peacefully traveling from Karachi to Swabi. Police attempts to stop us and their violence against our leaders are strongly condemned. Peaceful protest is a legal and constitutional right of every Pakistani. We are not protesting in Sindh; we are simply traveling, so under what law are we being stopped?’
Sheikh further asserted, ‘No amount of oppression can halt the fight for people’s rights. The more brutality we face, the stronger we will respond with public power.’ He also emphasized that the nation is now awake for the release of Imran Khan, the restoration of the stolen mandate, and judicial independence. The Swabi rally will be pivotal in determining the public’s will and charting the path forward. ‘Through peaceful protest, we will end fascism, coercion, and injustice,’ he said.
Sheikh also criticized the 26th constitutional amendment made by the unelected government, claiming it holds no legitimacy. ‘Power should only transfer through the will of the people, as seen in the United States where public opinion is respected,’ he noted. ‘Contrarily, in Pakistan, decisions are made that disregard the voters’ choice, placing corrupt leaders in power.’
He accused the Nawaz and Zardari families of jointly destroying the country, adding, ‘Now, they aim to further bankrupt the nation by buying state assets at dirt-cheap prices. Public opinion has been dismissed at every step, from weakening the judiciary to undermining national institutions.’ Sheikh predicted that growing public resentment will eventually lead to a revolution.
‘Imran Khan is fighting for the rights of this nation, and we will not allow him to remain imprisoned any longer,’ Sheikh concluded. ‘Large caravans from across Sindh are heading towards Swabi and will participate in full force on November 9.’