A protest and sit-in on a major road in Karachi led to significant traffic disruptions on Monday, causing severe hardships for commuters as the religious-political Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) announced city-wide protests in Karachi, despite the Sindh government’s imposition of Section 144 across the province.
Earlier, the government urged the religious-political Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party to call off or postpone its protest march toward Islamabad amid reports of killing at least five people including a police officer and injured dozens of other officers on Monday.
According to the religious group, multiple roads will be blocked for traffic, including Al Asif Square, Main Super Highway, Star Gate, Shahra e Faisal, Five Star Chowrangi, Tower, and Numaish Chowrangi.
The protests have severely disrupted traffic flow in various parts of the city. Long lines of vehicles have formed on Shahrah-e-Faisal, causing major inconvenience for commuters. Residents report that it is taking hours to reach offices and homes, while the traffic police have made minimal arrangements for alternate routes.
On the other hand, police and administration have deployed additional personnel to maintain law and order. Traffic is being restricted by placing barricades on several city roads. Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel.
On Monday, protests were also turned violent at 4-K Chowrangi. Police fired shells, took at least five protesters into custody.
Schools, colleges and universities also promulgated early departure for students and teaching staff.
Authorities advised the citizens to take alternative routes and avoid the designated areas as the escalations might flare up.
