Karachi witnessed severe traffic congestion on Monday as authorities sealed roads near the Press Club. The closures were carried out ahead of an anticipated protest in the area. As a result, major routes in central Karachi experienced complete gridlock. Traffic movement slowed to a crawl, leaving commuters stranded for hours.
Containers were placed at key access points to restrict movement. This action caused long queues of vehicles on I.I. Chundrigar Road.
Meanwhile, congestion quickly spread to surrounding areas. Several arterial roads were affected due to redirected traffic.
Key Roads Brought to a Standstill
Traffic came to a halt on Dr. Ziauddin Road near Zeenab Market. Vehicles also remained stuck near the Arts Council intersection. In addition, severe congestion was reported at the Sindh Assembly roundabout. Motorists struggled to find alternative routes.
Because of these closures, traffic pressure intensified across the city centre. Movement remained slow throughout the afternoon.
Police sources confirmed that routes leading to sensitive government locations were sealed. These included roads toward the Governor House and Chief Minister House.
Authorities said the step was taken to prevent any demonstration. However, the decision significantly disrupted daily life.
Emergency Services Caught in Gridlock
The traffic jam also affected emergency response services. Fire tenders and ambulances were seen trapped near the Arts Council area. This situation raised concerns about response delays. Many motorists expressed frustration over the lack of smooth traffic flow.
Although traffic police redirected vehicles to alternate routes, relief remained limited. The congestion continued despite these measures. Commuters reported hours-long delays. Office workers, students, and traders faced serious inconvenience.
Widespread Impact on City Life
The traffic disruption affected large sections of central Karachi. Businesses reported delays in deliveries and operations. Public transport services also faced slow movement. Passengers remained stuck in buses for extended periods.
Residents described the situation as chaotic and exhausting. Many called for better traffic planning during security arrangements. Authorities stated that traffic management efforts would continue. However, conditions remained unpredictable until roadblocks were lifted.
For now, motorists have been advised to avoid the Press Club vicinity. Officials urged citizens to use alternative routes where possible.
