The main Muharram and Youm-e-Ashura processions in Karachi concluded peacefully on the evening of the 10th of Muharram, with no untoward incidents reported. The central procession, which began at Nishtar Park, passed through M.A. Jinnah Road, Empress Market, and Tibet Centre before culminating at the Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.
Extensive Security Measures Deployed
Thousands of security personnel, including women police, commandos from the Special Security Unit (SSU), and snipers, were stationed along the traditional routes. The processions were monitored in real-time via a network of CCTV cameras, Safe City systems, and aerial surveillance. Temporary suspensions of cellular services were enforced in sensitive areas along the procession paths, and Section 144 was strictly implemented, including a ban on pillion riding.
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) facilitated the events by ensuring clear roads, conducting patchwork on procession routes, and providing municipal services. Numerous medical camps, sabeels (water stations), and community kitchens were set up along the routes to assist mourners.
Traffic Diversion and Public Advisory
The Karachi Traffic Police implemented comprehensive diversion plans to minimize public disruption. MA Jinnah Road remained closed from Guru Mandir to Tower for security reasons. The main procession departed from Nishtar Park at 9:40 am and concluded after reaching Hussainiya Iraniyan Imam Bargah.
According to the traffic plan issued by local authorities, people coming from Nazimabad could travel towards their destination from Lasbela Chowk towards Nishtar Road via Garden. Those from Liaquatabad could take Teen Hatti to Lasbela Chowk and turn left towards Central Jail (Martin Road). Visitors from Hassan Square heading to PP Chowrangi could use Kashmir Road to Shahrah-i-Quaideen and from Jail Flyover to Nishtar Road (Lasbela Chowk) via Tin Hatti.
Travelers from Sharea Faisal to Shahrah-i-Quaideen (Noorani Kebab) to Numaish could turn right at the society light signal and take Kashmir Road. Those going from Central Jail Gate (Jamshed Road) towards Guru Mandir MA Jinnah Road could proceed via Bahadur Yar Jung Road (Soldier Bazar) from Guru Mandir. Traffic from Garden Zoo to MA Jinnah Road could go via Anklesaria to Gul Plaza on the right and Coast Guard Holy Family Hospital on the left.
Restrictions on Heavy Traffic
All heavy and commercial traffic heading towards MA Jinnah Road from Super Highway and Gulberg was diverted from Liaquatabad No. 10 to Nazimabad Chowrangi No. 2 via Habib Bank Flyover, State Avenue Road, and Shershah. The same route was used for returning to Mauripur.
Traffic from the National Highway was routed via Sharea Faisal or Rashid Minhas Road, Stadium Road, Sir Shah Sulaiman Road, Hassan Square, Liaquatabad No. 10, Nazimabad Chowrangi No. 2, Habib Bank Flyover, State Avenue Road, and Shershah, with the same route for return to Mauripur.
All small and large vehicles were prohibited beyond Guru Mandir Chowk on the procession route and were diverted towards Bahadur Yar Jung Road (Soldier Bazar). Entry of all types of vehicles on MA Jinnah Road was banned except those with a sticker to join the procession. Vehicles with stickers were allowed entry through Shahrah-i-Quaideen and Society Light Signal.
