KARACHI – Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah clarified that the provincial government acted independently and hospitably during the recent visit of PTI leaders and the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to Karachi.
Welcoming Political Rivals
Speaking on a private news channel program, Nasir Shah dismissed rumors of external pressure regarding the reception of PTI leadership. “If we were under any pressure, why would Saeed Ghani have welcomed them?” he questioned. He added that even the Sindh government seeks federal permission when organizing rallies at venues like Bagh-e-Jinnah.
Protocol and Security for KP CM
The Minister emphasized that the Chief Minister of KP was provided with full official protocol and escorted via the most secure routes by the Sindh Police. “We treated them as guests and took full care of them,” Shah stated, noting that if the President of Pakistan had any objections, the provincial government would not have extended such a welcome.
Disagreement Over Rally Venue
Regarding the PTI protest and gathering, Nasir Shah pointed out:
- The government had advised PTI to move their gathering into a designated ground, but the participants chose to remain on the road.
- Despite the KP CM’s scheduled program being public knowledge, an inquiry will be conducted into the incidents that occurred yesterday.
- He noted that while the PML-N had no complaints, the PTI insisted on holding their rally on the road even after notifications were issued.
PTI’s Stance
On the same platform, PTI leader Asad Qaiser maintained that the right to peaceful protest and holding rallies is a fundamental constitutional right. He expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue regarding the “Charter of Democracy,” provided it aligns with legal and constitutional frameworks.
