The Karachi Traffic Police have released a comprehensive Karachi Muharram traffic plan ahead of the main Ashura processions. The strategy covers the 8th, 9th, and 10th of Muharram to facilitate processions and ensure public safety throughout the city.
Authorities confirmed that the primary processions will originate from Nishtar Park. The processions will follow traditional routes before concluding at Hussainiya Iranian Imambargah. Therefore, residents living near these areas should expect significant traffic disruptions during the three-day period.
To secure the procession area, officials will close M.A. Jinnah Road from Guru Mandir to Tower for all three days. So all commuters will need to find alternative routes through this critical corridor. Additionally, the closure impacts multiple neighborhoods across the city.
Commuters from Nazimabad should take Lasbela Chowk and Nishtar Road as alternatives. Those traveling from Liaquatabad should navigate through Teen Hatti to Lasbela before turning toward Central Jail. Meanwhile, residents from Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Gulshan-e-Iqbal should travel via University Road and Old Sabzi Mandi toward Numaish.
On the 9th of Muharram, specific closures will affect Guru Mandir toward Liaquatabad from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. Motorists from Hassan Square and P.P. Chowrangi are advised to use Kashmir Road and Shahrah-e-Qaideen instead. Additionally, Jamshed Road will close between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm on the same day, so drivers should plan accordingly.
Heavy commercial vehicles face significant diversions under the Karachi Muharram traffic plan. Trucks from the Super Highway must navigate via Liaquatabad No. 10, Nazimabad, and Sher Shah to reach Maripur. Furthermore, vehicles entering from the National Highway will use Rashid Minhas Road and Stadium Road before joining the designated heavy traffic bypass.
Law enforcement has strictly prohibited parking along any part of the procession route. Only vehicles with official stickers may enter M.A. Jinnah Road via Shahrah-e-Qaideen. Therefore, motorists should avoid leaving their cars in restricted areas throughout the three-day period.
For those using alternative routes, traffic police have outlined several key corridors. The main alternative for M.A. Jinnah Road includes Lasbela, Nishtar Road, and Garden. The heavy traffic route runs from Liaquatabad No. 10 to Sher Shah and Maripur for commercial vehicles. Finally, those entering via the Sabeel or Niaz points should use Saddar Dawakhana and Capri Light Signal.
Traffic police officials urged citizens to follow the diversion map carefully. Moreover, they asked commuters to cooperate with personnel on duty to maintain order throughout the religious observances. So compliance with these instructions will help ensure smooth traffic flow even during peak procession hours.
