- Barriers placed at Mai Kolachi crossing.
- PIDC bridge sealed with containers.
- Traffic police helpline 1915 active.
KARACHI: Several key roads in Karachi remained closed on Wednesday for the third consecutive day amid heightened security following protests that broke out last Sunday following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Eleven protesters were killed and more 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 put up at the railway crossing, while there is heavy deployment of traffic police. Only residents and officials traveling from Boat Basin towards Mai Kolachi are allowed access after showing their national identity cards.
Shipping containers have been placed on the PIDC bridge, blocking the route towards Jinnah Bridge and Mai Kolachi for general traffic. The route from MT Khan Road to PIDC Road and Mai Kolachi has also been sealed with barriers, with police and Rangers personnel stationed at the spot.
Similarly, citizens traveling from Jinnah Bridge towards Mai Kolachi or PIDC Road face closures as these roads remain blocked to general traffic.
Residents living near Bilawal House and Boat Basin have been advised to use alternative routes via Clifton Bridge and then continue towards Metropole and II Chundrigar Road. Travelers can also travel through Saddar to reach their destinations.
Heavy congestion was reported on II Chundrigar Road due to the closures on Tuesday, and traffic pressure continued there 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 travel via Kutiyana Memorial Hospital towards II Chundrigar Road and adjacent streets.
Traffic officers and local police are present at multiple locations, advising travelers on detours. Officials said personnel have been deployed at various points in the city and citizens can contact the traffic police helpline at 1915 for updated information on road conditions.
The closures mark the third consecutive day of restrictions imposed due to the prevailing security situation in the city.
