KARACHI: Severe gridlock gripped central Karachi on Tuesday after authorities sealed off major routes around the city’s business district for security reasons, triggering long tailbacks and commuter frustration.
Traffic along I.I. Chundrigar Road slowed to a crawl after officials closed both MT Khan Road and Mai Kolachi Road, disrupting access to key commercial areas.
Key routes sealed
Police shut the stretch from MT Khan Road to PIDC Road, as well as the section extending to the Mai Kolachi railway crossing. The closures forced vehicles coming from Tower to divert onto I.I. Chundrigar Road, while traffic from PIDC was redirected toward the Shaheen Complex.
The diversions led to heavy congestion, particularly between Tower and PIDC, with motorists reporting significant delays during peak hours.
Security measures after unrest
The restrictions follow days of unrest in Karachi sparked by protests over the reported killing of Ali Khamenei amid escalating tensions involving the United States and Israel.
Traffic police confirmed that additional personnel have been deployed to manage vehicle flow at key intersections. Commuters have been advised to avoid the affected corridors and use alternative routes where possible.
The city has faced recurring road closures since Sunday, with demonstrations across multiple neighbourhoods disrupting routine movement. Authorities reported that at least 10 people were killed by gunfire during the protests, while several others sustained injuries.
Officials say security arrangements remain in place as a precaution, warning that further disruptions may occur depending on the situation.
