Karachi Traffic Jam After Protest Near KPC

Commuters faced major delays in Karachi on Wednesday after a protest near the Karachi Press Club disrupted traffic across Saddar and nearby roads, according to traffic police alerts and an official response from Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

The Karachi traffic jam developed after roads near the press club were closed ahead of a planned protest by the PTI, which was held to mark three years since the imprisonment of party founder Imran Khan and to demand his release. The closures left many motorists stuck in long queues in one of the city’s busiest commercial and administrative corridors.

Traffic alerts issued across Saddar and adjoining routes

In a 6:25pm alert, traffic police said movement had slowed on several key roads because of the protest on Quba Masjid Road. The affected routes included Sir Shah Suleman Road, University Road, National Stadium towards Hassan Square, and Hassan Square towards NIPA and surrounding areas.

The police said personnel were present to manage traffic flow, but the alert showed how widely the disruption spread beyond the immediate protest site.

An earlier traffic update, issued at 5:38pm, said both sides of Chaudhry Khaliquz-Zaman Road near Gizri Bridge towards the Saudi consulate were closed to traffic. That alert said area residents were protesting over the unavailability of electricity and water.

According to the police, drivers could use alternative routes from the Saudi consulate towards Khayaban-i-Shamsheer and Jam Sadiq Signal, while traffic from Submarine Chowk towards Punjab Colony was also being diverted.

Chief minister orders immediate clearance

The congestion drew the attention of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who issued instructions to the provincial police leadership to restore traffic flow. In a statement from his office, he directed the Sindh inspector general and the Karachi additional inspector general to clear traffic from Saddar, the Old City Area, MA Jinnah Road and Zainab Market without delay.

He also asked for additional traffic police personnel to be deployed and for a report to be submitted. The chief minister further ordered that queues of cars on Napier Road, Regal Chowk and Bolton Market should be cleared.

A recurring strain on Karachi roads

The latest Karachi traffic jam again highlighted how quickly protests and road closures can paralyse central parts of the city, especially in and around Saddar, where commercial activity, office traffic and public transport all converge. Even limited closures in the area can spill over to nearby arteries and affect commuters travelling to and from different parts of Karachi.

For residents and office-goers, the disruption meant longer travel times and uncertainty during the evening rush. The traffic police said they were on the ground, but the scale of the slowdown showed the pressure on Karachi’s road network when major demonstrations take place near sensitive and crowded locations.

What commuters should know

Drivers heading through Saddar, MA Jinnah Road, Regal Chowk, Bolton Market and routes linking towards Hassan Square and NIPA were among those most likely to face delays on Wednesday, based on the alerts issued by traffic police. Motorists were advised through official updates to use alternate routes where possible.

The situation remained fluid as authorities worked to ease congestion and reopen closed stretches.

FAQ

Why did traffic slow near Karachi Press Club?

Traffic was disrupted because of a protest near the Karachi Press Club and related road closures in Saddar.

Which areas were affected?

Traffic police cited delays on Sir Shah Suleman Road, University Road, National Stadium towards Hassan Square, and routes around NIPA, Saddar, MA Jinnah Road and Zainab Market.

Did authorities respond?

Yes. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered police to clear the roads and deploy more personnel to restore flow.