Karachi Traffic Update: Avoid these routes today amid Jamaat-e-Islami protests

Fresh traffic restrictions were imposed in Karachi on Sunday as containers appeared on main roads leading to Sindh’s Chief Minister House, traffic around the red zone was disrupted as Jamaat-e-Islami protested against rising fuel prices, and traffic police moved in to manage diversions and guide commuters to alternative routes.

Authorities blocked several main roads leading to the Chief Minister’s House by placing containers at key entrances ahead of protests by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) against rising fuel prices and petroleum levies.

Containers were placed at the Metropole, PIDC and adjacent arterials, effectively restricting motorists’ access to routes connecting the red zone. Traffic police were deployed on surrounding roads to control congestion and divert vehicles to alternate routes.

Due to the implementation of traffic restrictions, passengers going to the Sindh Chief Minister’s House and nearby red zone areas faced difficulties. Officials advised drivers to avoid blocked routes and use alternate routes to reach their destinations.

The road closures came as the JI launched its planned nationwide protest campaign on Sunday, calling for sit-ins outside chief ministers’ houses in provincial capitals and governors’ residences in other provinces.

Jamaat-e-Islami protests on fuel prices

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced the protests a day ago and said that the Jamaat will continue its campaign against the increase in the prices of petroleum products and levies until its demands are met.

In Lahore, the party planned to start its demonstration at 3 pm from Masjid Shahada, followed by a march towards the Chief Minister House.

Speaking at the Jamaat-e-Islami headquarters in Mansurah, Rehman claimed that the government has collected Rs 1,567 billion from the public through petroleum levies, which is more than the amount recommended under the IMF programme.

He said Jamaat-e-Islami would not announce a fixed date to end the sit-ins, indicating that the protests would continue until the government responded to the party’s demands.

The JI chief also warned authorities against attempts to disrupt the protests, saying any attempt to disrupt the protests could turn the anti-government campaign into a wider movement.

Rehman said Jamaat-e-Islami had previously held sit-ins at 510 locations without damaging public or private property, claiming that no property was damaged during the protests.

The party is calling for reductions in petrol prices, electricity rates and prices of essential commodities, citing increasing pressure on the public due to the rising cost of living.

The JI has also called for a nationwide social media campaign on X against the petroleum levy, urging supporters to raise their voices against what the party termed as an additional burden on citizens.

The Punjab government warned the protesters.

Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari said that petroleum levy is a federal matter and it does not come under the authority of the Punjab government.

Speaking to reporters at an exhibition at the Expo Center in Lahore, he said political parties could exercise their right to peaceful protests but warned that roadblocks, violation of law and disruption of public life would not be tolerated.

Bukhari questioned the decision to target provincial officials on a matter he said was under the control of the federal government.

He also described the latest wave of sit-ins as an attempt to revive what he called “dead politics” and criticized JI’s electoral performance, citing its results in the last three general elections.

The minister highlighted more provincial initiatives aimed at helping the youth, saying loans would be provided to help them establish themselves and gain economic opportunities.

He advised students to choose degree programs with strong employment prospects and avoid fields with limited career opportunities.

Appreciating the young participants in the expo center exhibition, Bukhari said their work has shown the remarkable potential among the youth of Pakistan.

He called for more opportunities for women in professional fields, saying career choices should not be restricted on the basis of gender.

Regarding the fashion industry, she urged designers to focus on affordability and make quality clothing accessible to the general consumer.

Bukhari said the provincial government would continue to work to provide platforms for the youth to develop their skills and talents.

With security restrictions now affecting major roads leading to Sindh’s Chief Minister House, travelers in Karachi’s red zone are advised to plan their journeys carefully and avoid the affected roads until the traffic restrictions are lifted.

Another fuel crisis has arisen with petroleum dealers announcing a strike from August 15.

The post Karachi Traffic Update: Avoid these roads today amid Jamaat-e-Islami protests appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.

Stay updated with the latest alerts on this story:
View Original Coverage