Peshawar, Pakistan — After concluding a politically charged tour of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is now preparing to take the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) street movement to Sindh and Balochistan, party officials confirmed. The expansion signals PTI’s growing determination to mobilise grassroots support nationwide amid intensifying political tensions and claims of restrictions on opposition activities.
During his recent Punjab tour, Afridi, accompanied by a delegation of PTI ministers and lawmakers, faced reported resistance from provincial authorities, including restrictions on public gatherings and limitations on movement in certain areas. Despite these challenges, PTI leaders described the visit as a success, asserting that the party’s message resonated strongly with local residents and helped energise its provincial base.
PTI sources said the next phase of the campaign will focus on public rallies, street corner meetings, and grassroots engagement in Sindh and Balochistan. The party aims to highlight issues such as alleged suppression of political expression, delays in development projects, and disputes over federal funding allocations, framing these as part of a broader struggle for fair governance and constitutional rights.
Afridi and other PTI leaders have emphasised that the street movement will remain within constitutional limits, while exerting pressure on the federal and provincial governments to ensure a level playing field for political activity. The party has accused rival provincial administrations of creating hostile conditions for opposition parties, citing incidents of heavy security deployment, restrictions on assembly, and reported arrests of party workers during recent tours.
Analysts note that PTI’s expansion into Sindh and Balochistan is part of a calculated strategy to broaden the party’s political footprint, galvanise supporters ahead of upcoming elections, and reinforce its narrative of accountability and justice. Party insiders say the movement is intended not only to mobilise public support but also to send a message to political opponents that the party remains a powerful force across multiple provinces.
As Afridi’s campaign moves forward, political observers will watch closely to see how the street movement is received in provinces with complex local dynamics and differing levels of party support. With Pakistan’s political landscape becoming increasingly charged, the success of PTI’s outreach in Sindh and Balochistan may prove pivotal for the party’s broader strategy in the months ahead.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.