For Mustafa Kamal's PSP, the real test of numbers is today

KARACHI: The Pak Sarzameen Party is set to put on a show of strength at Bagh-e-Jinnah on Sunday, which, in all probability, will set the tone for Karachi and the rest of province’s politics till the next general elections.

The PSP leaders hope that the party’s first rally would set the direction not only for provincial, but national politics too because many people not just from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement but from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf were joining the party as its agenda was bringing about a change in the whole country.

However, most analysts believe that it will be hard for PSP leader Mustafa Kamal to immediately dent the MQM vote bank

Some analysts say that anti-MQM forces have been projecting Kamal as an alternative right-winger who can challenge Altaf Hussain on the latter’s own turf.

The rally on Sunday will decide, at least in terms of perception, as to whether Kamal will be the much-trumpeted alternative or not.

The party is expecting a large attendance of its female supporters and made separate arrangements for families.

Bagh-e-Jinnah is a venue where two other leaders, PTI chief Imran Khan and former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharaf, too had held their public meetings.

PSP camps have been set up around the venue and some parts of the city including Lyari, Malir and other areas where the MQM has little or no influence. Camps have also been set up along the roads leading to the venue.

Political observers are eagerly waiting to listen to Mustafa Kamal as to what plans he will unveil at the rally concerning Karachi’s issues.

PSP’s Iftikhar Alam, telling The News about the rally, said a 19 feet high stage had been set up and a monitoring committee formed too.

PSP leaders and media personnel will arrive at the venue through the back gate of Bagh-e-Jinnah.

Reporters will be given passes and vehicle stickers to enter the rally.

About the capacity of the ground, Alam said it could accommodate 150,000 people. He was hopeful that over 200,000 people would turn up for the rally.

He said the party was taking security arrangements very seriously and had tasked several of its activists and supporters to ensure smooth and secure attendance.

On Saturday night, a Jashn-e-Pakistan function was celebrated with a message of peace conveyed to the citizens that called for removing hatred and misconceptions.

“We are here to strengthen Pakistan and the younger generation which has long been misguided,” said Alam.

The East Zone police have deployed six SSP, seven SPs, 28 DSPs, 38 SHOs, three SIOs, 193 non-gazetted officers, 904 head constables and constables, 21 vans, two Rapid Response Force teams, and an armoured personnel carrier for the security of the rally.—Originally published in The News