Roads in Karachi closed for third day after protest over Khamenei's killing
Roads of Karachi. File Photo
Roads of Karachi. File Photo
Karachi (Web Desk): Roads across Karachi remained closed for a third day on Wednesday following the protests that erupted Sunday after the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The protests turned violent near the US consulate in Karachi. At least eleven protesters lost their lives and many others were injured during the demonstration held after news of the Iranian leader’s martyrdom spread.

At Mai Kolachi Road, authorities placed barriers at the railway crossing. A large number of traffic police officers were deployed there. Only residents and office workers travelling from Boat Basin towards Mai Kolachi are allowed to pass after showing their national identity cards.

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Shipping containers have been placed on PIDC Bridge. This has blocked traffic heading towards Jinnah Bridge and Mai Kolachi. The road from MT Khan Road to PIDC Road and Mai Kolachi has also been sealed. Police and Rangers officials are stationed at these points to monitor the situation.

People coming from Jinnah Bridge towards Mai Kolachi or PIDC Road are also facing roadblocks. These routes are closed for general traffic, causing long detours for daily commuters.

Residents living near Bilawal House and Boat Basin have been advised to use Clifton Bridge and then move towards Metropole and II Chundrigar Road. Travellers can also pass through Saddar to reach their destinations.

Heavy traffic jams were reported on II Chundrigar Road on Tuesday, and the pressure continued on Wednesday. Many drivers complained about long waiting times and confusion due to sudden diversions.

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For those travelling from Mauripur Road towards Boat Basin, police have suggested using Jinnah Bridge to reach II Chundrigar Road before taking alternate streets towards Clifton and Defense. Another suggested route is via Kutiyana Memorial Hospital to connect to II Chundrigar Road.

Traffic police and local police officials are present at different points in the city to guide commuters. Authorities said extra personnel have been deployed across Karachi to maintain order. Citizens can call the traffic police helpline at 1915 for updates about road conditions.

This is the third straight day that key roads in Karachi have remained closed due to the security situation. Many residents are now worried about how long these restrictions will continue and how much more disruption the city can handle.