Karachi issues traffic diversions for Muharram processions from June 24 to 26

KARACHI: Karachi Traffic Police has announced a citywide traffic management plan for the central Muharram processions scheduled for 8th, 9th and 10th Muharram, corresponding to June 24 to 26, with road closures and alternative routes laid out for commuters across different districts.

According to a traffic police spokesperson, the main processions will start from Nishtar Park and move along their customary routes before ending at Hussainiya Irania Imambargah in Kharadar. As part of the security arrangements, M.A. Jinnah Road will remain closed from Gurumandir to Tower on all three days.

Alternative routes for commuters

In District Central, traffic coming from Nazimabad will be diverted through Lasbela Chowk towards Nishtar Road and Garden. Vehicles arriving from Liaquatabad will be routed through Teen Hatti to Lasbela Chowk and then turned towards Central Jail on Martin Road. For commuters travelling from Hassan Square towards Peoples Chowrangi, alternate access will be available through Kashmir Road, Society Signal on Shahrah-e-Quaideen, and Jail Flyover via Teen Hatti towards Nishtar Road.

The traffic police said that on 9th Muharram, the route from Liaquatabad to Gurumandir will stay closed between 8:30am and 9:30am. In District East, commuters moving from Central Jail Gate on Jamshed Road towards Gurumandir will be redirected through Bahadur Yar Jang Road and Soldier Bazaar. A partial closure on this stretch will remain in place from 10:30am to 1:30pm on 9th Muharram.

In District South, vehicles travelling from Garden and Zoo towards M.A. Jinnah Road will be diverted through Anklesaria Road, Gul Plaza, Coast Guard and Holy Family routes.

Heavy traffic and procession access

Heavy and commercial traffic coming from Super Highway and Gulberg towards M.A. Jinnah Road will be diverted at Liaquatabad No 10 towards Nazimabad Chowrangi No 2, and then sent through Habib Bank Flyover, Site Area, Estate Avenue Road and Shershah to Mauripur. The same diversion will apply to return traffic as well.

Traffic police said no heavy or light vehicles would be permitted beyond Gurumandir Chowk towards the procession route, and all such traffic would instead be sent towards Bahadur Yar Jang Road and Soldier Bazaar. Entry onto M.A. Jinnah Road will be barred for all vehicles except those carrying official procession stickers. Such vehicles will be allowed through Shahrah-e-Quaideen via Society Signal.

The plan also includes designated access routes for procession participants. Those arriving from Nazimabad will travel through Lasbela to Gurumandir and onward to Numaish. Participants coming from Liaquatabad, Teen Hatti and Jehangir Road will join through Gurumandir to Numaish, while those from Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, University Road, Old Sabzi Mandi and Kashmir Road will reach Numaish via Society Signal.

Vehicles carrying sabeel, niyaz and tabarruk will only be permitted entry from the specified points at Saddar Dawakhana and Capri Light Signal. The traffic police also said parking will not be allowed anywhere along the procession route.