Karachi, December 28, 2024 – The bustling metropolis of Karachi faced severe traffic gridlock as protests erupted at key locations, bringing daily commutes to a standstill. Demonstrators, belonging to a prominent religious-political party, staged sit-ins and blockades, causing disruptions across major thoroughfares.
Key Roads Affected
Protests were concentrated at Numaish Chowrangi and Gurumandir, both critical junctions connecting multiple parts of the city. Blockades on these routes forced drivers to navigate through alternate streets, which were ill-equipped to handle the volume of diverted traffic. Commuters reported delays of several hours, with public transport routes also severely affected.
Challenges for Commuters
- Emergency Services: Ambulances and other emergency vehicles faced difficulty reaching hospitals and medical facilities due to the congestion.
- Public Distress: Office workers, students, and daily wage earners were among those hit hardest, many of whom had no viable alternative routes.
- Economic Impact: The blockades disrupted supply chains, especially for goods transported within and outside the city.
Authorities’ Response
Traffic police issued advisories through social media and radio broadcasts, urging residents to avoid affected areas. Additional personnel were deployed to manage traffic at secondary routes. The Sindh government has called for negotiations with protest leaders to resolve the situation peacefully and avoid further disruptions.
With no immediate end in sight to the demonstrations, Karachiites are bracing for continued challenges in the days ahead.
