KARACHI: The Karachi Traffic Police shut down several key roads in the city’s West and South districts on Monday due to the prevailing security situation.
The measures follow violent protests that erupted across the country after the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in alleged US-Israeli attacks. In Karachi, 10 people were killed, while two deaths were reported in Islamabad. Law enforcement personnel used teargas and baton-charge to disperse protesters, and Section 144 has been extended across Sindh.
According to traffic police alerts, both sides of the road from Sultanabad Traffic Section towards Mai Kolachi were closed, along with both sides of MT Khan Road from Jinnah Bridge to PIDC and vice versa.
Traffic from Jinnah Bridge has been diverted towards II Chundrigar Road. Vehicles coming from Boat Basin are being turned back at Mai Kolachi phatak, while traffic from PIDC is being redirected from the Park cut.
In a separate alert issued later in the morning, authorities announced the closure of both sides of Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Road from PIDC Chowk to the State Life Building. Commuters from State Life are being diverted towards Beaumont Plaza, while those from PIDC are being redirected to Club Road.
The closures were attributed to security concerns. Traffic police urged citizens to contact the Traffic Helpline at 1915 for alternate routes and tune in to FM 88.6 for updates, adding that personnel were deployed to manage traffic flow.
Islamabad restricts Red Zone access
Meanwhile, Islamabad Police announced that only Margalla Road and the route via the Islamabad Marriott Hotel would remain open for entry into the Red Zone.
All other access points to the high-security area have been closed. Citizens have been advised to plan their travel accordingly and follow designated alternative routes.
Motorists travelling from Club Road have been directed to use Kashmir Chowk, Srinagar Highway, Seventh Avenue and Margalla Road. Those coming from Bhara Kahu have been advised to take Srinagar Highway via Kashmir Chowk and proceed through Seventh Avenue to Margalla Road.
Authorities have asked residents to call the police helpline at 15 or the Traffic Helpline at 1915 for assistance, and to tune in to ITP FM 92.4 for live traffic updates.