Karachi faced fresh traffic restrictions on Sunday as authorities blocked several roads around the Red Zone. Containers were placed on key routes leading towards the Sindh Chief Minister House.
The restrictions were imposed ahead of Jamaat-e-Islami’s planned Protest against rising fuel prices and petroleum levies. Traffic police were deployed around affected areas to manage congestion and guide commuters towards alternative routes.
Key Karachi Roads Face Restrictions
Authorities placed containers at Metropole, PIDC and nearby roads. The measures restricted access to several routes connecting motorists with Karachi’s Red Zone.
Commuters travelling towards the Sindh Chief Minister House faced difficulties due to the road closures. Traffic officials advised motorists to avoid affected roads and use alternative routes where possible.
The restrictions came as Jamaat-e-Islami launched its planned nationwide campaign on Sunday. The party announced sit-ins outside chief ministers’ houses and governors’ residences across the country.
JI Protest Against Fuel Prices
JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced the demonstrations a day earlier.
He said the party’s Protest would focus on petroleum prices and levies. JI is demanding reductions in petrol prices, electricity tariffs and prices of essential commodities.
The party says rising costs are placing additional financial pressure on citizens. Speaking at the party’s headquarters in Mansoorah, Rehman also discussed revenue collected through petroleum levies.
He claimed the government had collected Rs1,567 billion through these levies. According to Rehman, the amount exceeded the level envisaged under the IMF programme.
He said the sit-ins would continue until the government responded to the party’s demands. JI also called for a social media campaign on X against the petroleum levy.
Demonstration Planned in Lahore In Lahore, JI planned to begin its demonstration at 3pm from Masjid-e-Shuhada.
Participants were then expected to march towards the Punjab Chief Minister’s House. Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari responded to the planned demonstrations.
She said the petroleum levy was a federal issue rather than a provincial government matter. Bukhari said political parties had the right to hold a peaceful Protest.
However, she warned against blocking roads, violating laws or disrupting daily public life. She also questioned why provincial authorities were being targeted over a federally controlled matter.
Karachi Commuters Advised to Use Alternative Routes
The traffic restrictions have affected major approaches towards the Sindh Chief Minister House and surrounding areas. Motorists travelling through Karachi’s Red Zone have been advised to plan their journeys carefully.
Commuters should avoid Metropole, PIDC and other affected routes while restrictions remain in place. Traffic conditions could change as demonstrations continue and authorities adjust security arrangements.
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Motorists have been advised to follow traffic police instructions and use available alternative routes until restrictions are lifted.
