KARACHI:
The metropolis’s main roads remained closed for the second consecutive day on Monday as heightened security measures around the US Consulate continued to disrupt traffic in key commercial corridors.
According to Karachi Traffic Police, all routes leading to the US Consulate General have been sealed amid security concerns and the threat of possible protests. Authorities have placed containers and other barricades at multiple points to restrict access.
The stretch from PIDC Chowk to MT Khan Road towards Sultanabad has been 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 towards Jinnah Bridge via Mai Kolachi have been advised to take an alternative route via Boat Basin to Teen Talwar, then continue via Clifton Bridge, Metropole and Fountain Chowk before turning left towards Shaheen Complex.
Motorists coming from ICI Chowk and Mauripur Road towards Boat Basin can turn left from Jinnah Bridge towards II Chundrigar Road. Alternatively, commuters from ICI Chowk can use the route via Katiyana Memon Hospital to Nawab Mahabat Khanji Road. Those heading from Sharae Faisal towards Jinnah Bridge have been directed to turn right at PID and proceed via Shaheen Complex and II Chundrigar Road.
While the road from PIDC Chowk to Ziauddin Road leading to CM House has been reopened after earlier closures, a road from Sharae Faisal from FTC towards Metropole remains closed for the second day. Traffic on that stretch is being diverted towards Saddar through a U-turn at Gora Qabristan.
Police said the measures were taken in response to security threats and the possibility of demonstrations. Despite the closures, traffic continued to move smoothly on other major arteries 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 surrounding schools, colleges and universities remained closed for safety reasons, while many offices opted to work remotely. Some businesses, however, suspended operations entirely, adding to the feeling of a city on edge.
