KARACHI: Traffic was disrupted on several major roads across Karachi on Friday as Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) staged protest sit-ins as part of a nationwide campaign against the petroleum levy.
The party had announced a day earlier that it would hold sit-ins at 510 locations across Pakistan, with major roads to be blocked as part of the protest.
Karachi Traffic Police issued an advisory warning motorists that the demonstrations could affect traffic movement in several parts of the city. Authorities expected congestion, temporary diversions and partial closures on a number of major roads.
The areas identified as likely to be affected included Mazar-i-Quaid, Numaish Chowrangi, Saddar, Shahrah-i-Faisal, Shahrah-i-Pakistan, UP Mor, Power House Chowrangi, Defence Housing Authority, Sea View, Shahrah-i-Orangi, Hub River Road, Super Highway and National Highway.
Traffic police advised citizens to avoid travelling through the affected areas unless necessary and recommended using alternative routes. Commuters were also asked to leave earlier than usual to allow additional time for their journeys.
Meanwhile, updates posted by JI Karachi on its official X account indicated that party workers had started holding sit-ins at several announced locations.
According to the updates, protesters blocked the road connecting Shahrah-i-Faisal with Natha Khan. Traffic was also reported to have been disrupted on the Super Highway and Hub River Road.
The demonstrations are part of the JI’s nationwide campaign against the petroleum levy, with the party demanding relief for citizens from rising fuel-related costs.
