Karachi announces traffic plan for Muharram processions from 8th to 10th

KARACHI: Karachi Traffic Police on Tuesday issued a traffic management plan for the city for 8th Muharram to 10th Muharram 1448 AH in connection with Ashura, outlining road closures and alternative routes for commuters during the main processions.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the DIG Traffic Police said M.A. Jinnah Road will remain closed from Guru Mandir to Tower on security grounds. The spokesperson said the main procession on all three days will start from Nishtar Park and conclude at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah along its traditional route.

Alternative routes for commuters

According to the traffic plan, people coming from Nazimabad have been advised to travel via Lasbela Chowk through the Garden area to reach Nishtar Road. Those arriving from Liaquatabad have been directed to turn left towards Teen Hatti and continue through Martin Road.

The spokesperson added that the Liaquatabad-Guru Mandir road will remain closed for traffic from 8:30am to 9:30am on 9th Muharram. Motorists travelling from Hasan Square to Peoples Chowrangi have been told to use Kashmir Road, Jail Flyover, Teen Hatti and Nishtar Road as alternate routes.

Similarly, vehicles moving from Shahrah-e-Faisal towards Numaish Chowrangi will be diverted to Kashmir Road from the Society Light Signal. Citizens travelling from Central Jail Gate on Jamshed Road towards M.A. Jinnah Road at Guru Mandir have been instructed to use the Guru Mandir-Bahadur Yar Jung Road route through Soldier Bazar.

Ashura dates and public holidays

The 9th and 10th of Muharram 1448 AH will be observed in Pakistan on June 25 and 26, which fall on Thursday and Friday. The federal government has also announced public holidays on both days in connection with Ashura.

According to a Cabinet Division notification issued on June 22, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared June 25 and 26, corresponding to 9th and 10th Muharram, as public holidays.

Muharram is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam. Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram and marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with his family members in the battle of Karbala. During Muharram, mourners hold processions and majalis, while religious scholars address gatherings across the country.