KARACHI July 3, 2025
The Sindh government and Karachi Traffic Police have unveiled a comprehensive security and traffic management plan for the 8th, 9th, and 10th of Muharram to ensure the safety and smooth flow of religious processions. Under the announced plan, MA Jinnah Road will be completely closed for all kinds of traffic from Guru Mandir to Tower for three consecutive days due to security concerns. Only vehicles with special stickers issued for the processions will be allowed entry through designated routes.
According to the traffic diversion plan, main Muharram processions will commence from Nishtar Park and conclude at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah, following a pre-approved path. Commuters are advised to use alternate routes. For example, traffic from Nazimabad will be routed via Lasbela Chowk, Nishtar Road, and Garden; those from Liaquatabad can opt for Teen Hatti to either Lasbela or Central Jail through Martin Road. Similarly, motorists from Hassan Square heading towards PP Chowrangi are advised to take Kashmir Road via Jail Flyover, Society Light Signal, and Nishtar Road.
From Shahrah e Faisal, vehicles can reach Sharah-e-Quaideen and Numaish by turning right at Society traffic light towards Kashmir Road. Commuters approaching MA Jinnah Road from Jail Gate or Jamshed Road will be redirected through Bahadur Yar Jang Road and Soldier Bazaar. Traffic from Garden Zoo towards MA Jinnah Road will be diverted to Anklesaria Road, passing Gul Plaza or Coast Guard near Holy Family Hospital.
Heavy and commercial traffic from Super Highway or Gulberg intending to reach MA Jinnah Road will be diverted at Liaquatabad No.10 towards Nazimabad Chowrangi No.2 and further through Habib Bank Flyover, State Avenue Road, and Shershah to Mauripur. The return journey will follow the same route. Similarly, heavy traffic from National Highway will use Sharea Faisal, Rashid Minhas Road, Stadium Road, Sir Shah Suleman Road, Hassan Square, and Nazimabad Chowrangi No.2 towards Mauripur.
Traffic police officials stated that no small or large vehicles would be allowed past Guru Mandir Chowk along the procession path. All such vehicles will be diverted to Bahadur Yar Jang Road and Soldier Bazaar. Vehicles with official procession stickers may enter from Sharah-e-Quaideen via Society Light Signal.
Participants arriving from areas like Nazimabad can enter via Lasbela, Al-Bela, Garden Jamaat Khana, and Soldier Bazaar No.3 to Numaish. Other access points include routes from Liaquatabad, Teen Hatti, Jehangir Road, Guru Mandir, Society Signal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, University Road, Old Sabzi Mandi, and Kashmir Road.
Vehicles distributing niaz and tabarruk will only be allowed entry from Tower near Memon Masjid. Additionally, parking will be strictly prohibited along the procession routes to maintain a secure environment.
Speaking at a press conference, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that around 50,000 police personnel will be deployed across the province, including 14,546 officers for gatherings and 35,116 for processions, with over 14,000 additional personnel assigned for reinforcement.
The deployment will span Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, and Shaheed Benazirabad to ensure peace and prevent any untoward incidents. Sharjeel emphasized that Muharram processions hold deep religious significance, and foolproof security arrangements have been put in place amid regional geopolitical tensions and threats from anti-state elements.
He highlighted that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has consulted scholars from various sects to promote harmony and reviewed all security preparations. Sharjeel reiterated that while the government welcomes criticism, it will not allow anyone to dictate terms or disrupt public peace. A dedicated protest zone has also been proposed to keep public life uninterrupted.
The Sindh government called for unity among the Muslim Ummah to resist attempts by hostile forces to incite sectarian conflict during Muharram.
