KARACHI: Multiple road on Tuesday remained closed until 7 pm due to the visit of Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi to the port city, causing the worst traffic jam.
The traffic flow on adjoining roads of Shahrah-e-Faisal remained suspended for many hours and commuters worst suffered.
Additionally, mobile phone services experienced disruptions in certain areas of Karachi. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) stated that mobile phone services have been suspended along specific routes in the city during the Iranian president’s visit, in effect from 3:00 pm on April 23 to 8:00 am on April 24, following directives from the Ministry of Interior. This measure aims to ensure the security of the dignitary’s visit.
Welcome banners from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the Iranian president have been displayed on Sharea Faisal, the city's main thoroughfare.
Several main roads have been closed according to the traffic plan. MA Jinnah Road is blocked from Guru Mandir with placed containers, and access to Numaish from Shahra-e-Quaideen is restricted with containers around the Peoples Secretariat.
Police units have been deployed at various locations.
Previously, the Karachi Traffic Police announced the closure of both sides of Sharea Faisal from 3 pm to 5 pm. Sharea Faisal from Jinnah Terminal to PIDC, Sharea Quaideen, and Dr Ziauddin Road were closed for two hours due to security reasons.
Alternative routes have been recommended for commuters to avoid inconvenience during this period. The traffic helpline 1915 is available for assistance.
Alternative routes have been suggested for passengers traveling to various destinations, including the airport, Defence-Clifton, Jinnah Hospital, and other areas, to navigate around the closed roads.
In summary, several roads in Karachi will remain closed until 7 pm due to the visit of Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi. This closure, along with disruptions to mobile phone services, has caused inconvenience to the public, and alternative routes have been advised to manage traffic during this period.
