KARACHI:
Major roads in the metropolis remained closed Monday for the second consecutive day, as heightened security measures around the U.S. consulate continued to disrupt traffic in key commercial corridors.
According to the Karachi Traffic Police, all roads leading to the US Consulate General were closed due to security concerns and threats of potential protests. Authorities placed containers and other barricades in several locations to restrict access.
The stretch from PIDC Chowk to MT Khan Road towards Sultanabad was completely closed with containers blocking traffic. Similarly, the road from Tower to Mai Kolachi has been closed, while access from Boat Basin to Mai Kolachi remains obstructed.
Commuters traveling from Bilawal House and Clifton to Jinnah Bridge via Mai Kolachi have been advised to take an alternative route via Boat Basin to Teen Talwar and then pass through Clifton Bridge, Metropole and Fountain Chowk before turning left towards Shaheen Complex.
Motorists coming from ICI Chowk and Mauripur Road to Boat Basin can turn left from Jinnah Bridge onto II Chundrigar Road. Alternatively, travelers from ICI Chowk can take the route via Katiyana Memon Hospital to Nawab Mahabat Khanji Road. Those heading from Sharae Faisal towards Jinnah Bridge have been advised to turn right at PID and continue via Shaheen Complex and II Chundrigar Road.
While the road from PIDC Chowk to Ziauddin Road leading to CM House was reopened after earlier closures, one lane from Sharae Faisal of FTC towards Metropole remains closed for a second day. Traffic on this stretch is diverted towards Saddar via a U-turn at Gora Qabristan.
Police said the measures were taken in response to security threats and the possibility of protests. Despite the closures, traffic continued to flow smoothly on other major arterial roads, including MA Jinnah Road, University Road, Defense Korangi Road, Shahrah-e-Pakistan, Rashid Minhas Road, Abul Hasan Isphahani Road and the National Highway.
The ripple effects were felt beyond the roads, as several nearby schools, colleges and universities remained closed due to safety concerns, while many offices opted to work remotely. However, some businesses have completely suspended their activities, reinforcing the feeling of a city on the edge.
