Over two dozen PTI leaders, workers detained on way to Swabi

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Sindh caravan, led by PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, set off from Karachi towards Swabi for a rally scheduled on November 9.

However, they faced obstacles and clashes with police at various points along the route. At Al-Asif Square, police intervened and attempted to stop the caravan by baton-charging participants, arresting more than 24 PTI leaders and activists.

The arrested individuals included acting General Secretary Dr Masroor Sial, Karachi Division President Raja Azhar, General Secretary Arsalan Khalid, PTI Labour Wing Sindh President Rana Azam, Khurram Saeed, Farooq Ahmed, Sher Azam, Imran Mirza, Syed Ahmed Sohail, Wadero Kehar Khan, son of Muhammad Alam, Muhammad Saeed, Fahdullah, who were taken to Sohrab Goth police station. Meanwhile, Haleem Adil Sheikh and the remaining caravan members managed to proceed, though police attempted to block them again at Toll Plaza. When the caravan reached Hyderabad, police confiscated their vehicles, prompting the PTI members to split into smaller groups and continue towards Swabi through various routes. By late night, the caravan passed through Nawabshah, Naushahro Feroze, Moro, and Sukkur on its way to Swabi to participate in the November 9 rally.

Speaking to the media at different locations, Sheikh stated that the sight of the PTI’s Sindh caravan had left Bilawal Zardari “trembling.” He added that dictatorship prevails in Sindh under the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), condemning the police’s efforts to stop the caravan and the arrests and mistreatment of PTI leaders.

Sheikh emphasized that peaceful protest is the legal and constitutional right of every Pakistani citizen. “We are not protesting in Sindh; we are simply travelling peacefully to Swabi in our vehicles. By what law are we being stopped?” he questioned.

He added, "A struggle for the people's rights cannot be halted by oppression. The more oppression we face, the more we will stand firm against them with the power of the people." Sheikh stated that the nation has awakened for the release of Imran Khan, the restoration of the stolen mandate, and the return of judicial independence. "A public gathering will take place in Swabi where the people’s decision will be made clear, and it will be the final, conclusive decision. Through peaceful protest, we will put an end to fascism, oppression, and tyranny."

He criticized the 26th constitutional amendment, calling it a move by an unelected government with no legitimacy, stressing that power should only transfer through the will of the people. Citing examples from the United States, where public opinion was respected in transferring power to another party, he noted that Pakistan takes the opposite approach, imposing rulers with a history stained by corruption. Sheikh accused the Nawaz and Zardari families of collectively ruining the country, seeking to push Pakistan further into bankruptcy by privatizing national institutions at throwaway prices.

He pointed out that the judiciary has been weakened, and public opinion disregarded in every matter. "Public resentment is growing," he said, "and this resentment will ultimately lead to a revolution." He concluded, "Imran Khan is fighting for the rights of this nation and its people. We will not allow him to be kept in chains any longer. From Sindh, just like other parts of the country, large and small caravans are heading towards Swabi. Inshallah, on November 9, we will participate in full force.”