- Barriers placed at Mai Kolachi junction.
- 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 erupted last Sunday following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Eleven protesters lost their lives and several were injured in Karachi during a demonstration outside the US consulate following the martyrdom of the Iranian leader.
At Mai Kolachi Road, barricades have been placed at the level crossing while a heavy deployment of traffic police is present. Only residents and office visitors traveling from Boat Basin towards Mai Kolachi will be allowed entry after showing their National Identity Card.
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 site.
Similarly, citizens traveling from Jinnah Bridge towards Mai Kolachi or PIDC Road face closure as these roads remain closed for general traffic.
Residents living near Bilawal House and Boat Basin have been advised to use alternative routes via Clifton Bridge and then proceed towards Metropole and II Chundrigar Road. Commuters can also travel through Saddar to reach their destinations.
Heavy congestion was reported on II Chundrigar Road on Tuesday due to the closures, with traffic pressure continuing there on Wednesday as diversions are still in place.
Those coming from Mauripur Road towards Boat Basin can take Jinnah Bridge to II Chundrigar Road before using alternate routes to access Clifton and Defence. Another option is to travel via Kutiyana Memorial Hospital towards II Chundrigar Road and adjoining streets.
Traffic and local police officers are present at several locations and are advising commuters about diversions. Authorities said personnel have been deployed at various locations 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.
