Karachi witnessed the continued closure of several major thoroughfares on Wednesday, marking the third consecutive day of stringent security measures across the city. These restrictions were imposed in response to the unrest that erupted last Sunday, sparked by protests following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The demonstrations, particularly those outside the US consulate, turned violent, resulting in the tragic deaths of eleven protesters and numerous injuries.
In an effort to maintain order and prevent further violence, law enforcement agencies have deployed heavy contingents of police and Rangers personnel at critical junctions throughout Karachi. At Mai Kolachi Road, for instance, authorities have installed physical barriers at the railway crossing, allowing passage only to residents and office workers traveling from Boat Basin towards Mai Kolachi, contingent upon verification of their national identity cards. This selective access underscores the cautious approach taken by officials to balance security concerns with the mobility needs of local commuters.
Further complicating the traffic situation, shipping containers have been strategically placed on the PIDC Bridge, effectively blocking general traffic from accessing routes leading to Jinnah Bridge and Mai Kolachi. Similarly, the stretch from MT Khan Road to PIDC Road and Mai Kolachi has been sealed off with barriers, manned by a combined force of police and Rangers. These closures have also extended to the routes from Jinnah Bridge towards Mai Kolachi and PIDC Road, which remain inaccessible to the general public, further restricting movement in these key areas.
Residents living near Bilawal House and Boat Basin have been advised to use alternative routes to navigate the city. The recommended detours include traveling via Clifton Bridge and then proceeding towards Metropole and II Chundrigar Road. Additionally, commuters can opt to pass through Saddar to reach their destinations. The ongoing roadblocks have led to significant congestion, particularly on II Chundrigar Road, where traffic pressure remained intense on Wednesday following similar conditions on Tuesday.
For those coming from Mauripur Road towards Boat Basin, officials suggest taking Jinnah Bridge to II Chundrigar Road before switching to alternate paths that lead to Clifton and Defence areas. Another viable route includes traveling via Kutiyana Memorial Hospital towards II Chundrigar Road and the surrounding streets. To assist commuters in navigating these disruptions, traffic and local police officials have been stationed at multiple points across the city, actively guiding motorists and pedestrians alike.
Authorities have emphasized that personnel remain deployed at various strategic locations throughout Karachi to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow wherever possible. Citizens seeking real-time updates on road conditions and diversions can contact the traffic police helpline at 1915. The continuation of these closures reflects the ongoing security challenges faced by the city in the aftermath of the protests, as officials work to restore normalcy while preventing any further escalation of violence.
