- Barriers placed at the Mai Kolachi crossing.
- PIDC bridge sealed with containers.
- Traffic police hotline 1915 active.
KARACHI: Several key roads in Karachi remained closed on Wednesday for the third consecutive day amid tight security following protests that erupted last Sunday following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Eleven protesters lost their lives and others were injured in Karachi during a demonstration in front of the US consulate following the martyrdom of the Iranian leader.
On Mai Kolachi Road, barriers have been placed at the crossing, while a heavy deployment of traffic police is present. Only residents and office workers traveling from Boat Basin to Mai Kolachi are allowed access after presenting their national identity cards.
Shipping containers were placed on the PIDC Bridge, blocking the road to Jinnah Bridge and Mai Kolachi for general traffic. The road from MT Khan Road to PIDC Road and Mai Kolachi was also closed with barriers, with police and Rangers stationed at the site.
Similarly, citizens traveling from Jinnah Bridge towards Mai Kolachi or PIDC Road face closures as these roads remain blocked to general traffic.
Residents who live near Bilawal House and Boat Basin have been advised to use alternative routes via Clifton Bridge and then head towards Metropole and II Chundrigar Road. Commuters can also pass through Saddar to reach their destination.
Heavy traffic jams were reported on II Chundrigar Road on Tuesday due to the closures, with traffic pressure continuing on Wednesday as diversions remain in place.
Those coming from Mauripur Road towards Boat Basin can take Jinnah Bridge to II Chundrigar Road before using alternative routes to access Clifton and Defence. Another option is to pass through Kutiyana Memorial Hospital towards II Chundrigar Road and adjoining streets.
Traffic officers and local police are present at several locations, guiding commuters on detours. Officials said personnel have been deployed at different locations across the city and citizens can contact the traffic police helpline at 7:15 p.m. for updated information on road conditions.
These closures mark the third consecutive day of restrictions imposed due to the security situation prevailing in the city.
