Multiple Road Closures Announced in Karachi
The Karachi Traffic Police on Monday closed several major roads across Karachi’s West and South districts in light of the prevailing security situation.
According to official traffic alerts issued in the morning, both sides of the road from Sultanabad Traffic Section towards Mai Kolachi were shut. Authorities also closed both sides of MT Khan Road, covering routes from Jinnah Bridge to PIDC and vice versa.
As alternative arrangements:
- Traffic from Jinnah Bridge is being diverted towards II Chundrigar Road.
- Vehicles from Boat Basin are being U-turned at Mai Kolachi Phatak.
- Traffic from PIDC is being redirected from the Park cut.
Later, another advisory confirmed the closure of Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed Road from PIDC Chowk towards the State Life Building.
Alternative routes include:
- Vehicles from State Life diverted toward Beaumont Plaza.
- Traffic from PIDC redirected toward Club Road.
Authorities cited “security reasons” for the closures and urged commuters to cooperate.
Protests Erupt Nationwide
The road closures come after protests erupted across several cities following reports of the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in alleged US-Israeli attacks.
According to initial reports, at least 10 people were killed in Karachi and two in Islamabad during unrest. Law enforcement agencies reportedly used tear gas and baton charges to disperse crowds.
The Sindh government has extended Section 144 across the province to restrict public gatherings and maintain order.
Public Advisory and Helplines
The Karachi Traffic Police has requested citizens to call the Traffic Helpline at 1915 for guidance on alternative routes and to tune in to FM 88.6 for real-time traffic updates. Officials stated that traffic personnel remain deployed on major arteries to ensure smooth flow and minimize disruption.
Islamabad Police Restrict Red Zone Entry
Meanwhile, the Islamabad Police announced restrictions on entry into the Red Zone of the federal capital.
Authorities confirmed that Margalla Road and the route via Islamabad Marriott Hotel will remain open for access. All other entry points to the Red Zone have been temporarily closed.
Alternative Routes for Islamabad Commuters
- Citizens coming from Club Road are advised to use Kashmir Chowk, Srinagar Highway, Seventh Avenue, and Margalla Road.
- Those traveling from Bhara Kahu should use Srinagar Highway via Kashmir Chowk before accessing Margalla Road.
For assistance, residents can contact the police helpline at 15 or the Traffic Helpline at 1915. Live traffic updates are also available through ITP FM 92.4.
Regional and International Attention
The evolving situation is being closely monitored in Pakistan as well as in neighboring countries and international capitals, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran, due to the broader geopolitical implications.
Zavia Pakistan will continue to provide timely updates on security developments, traffic advisories, and official statements.
