Several important roads in Karachi, Pakistan, have been closed for the third consecutive day due to security concerns following protests triggered by the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The protests outside the US Consulate in Karachi resulted in the deaths of 11 protesters and injuries to several others.
Barriers have been set up at the railway crossing on Mai Kolachi Road, with a significant presence of traffic police in the area, as reported by Pakistan-based Geo News. Residents and office-goers are permitted to travel from Boat Basin to Mai Kolachi by showing their national identity cards.
To control traffic movement, shipping containers have been placed on the PIDC Bridge to block access to Jinnah Bridge and Mai Kolachi for general traffic. Additional barriers have been installed to restrict traffic from MT Khan Road to PIDC Road and Mai Kolachi, with police and Rangers personnel stationed at these locations.
Roads leading from Jinnah Bridge towards Mai Kolachi and PIDC Road have also been closed. Residents near Bilawal House and Boat Basin are advised to take alternative routes via Clifton Bridge, moving towards Metropole and II Chundrigar Road. Traffic and local police officials are present at various points in Karachi to assist commuters with diversions and provide updated information on road conditions.
In response to the security situation, the US Embassy in Islamabad and its consulates in Lahore and Karachi have temporarily halted operations. A message from the US Embassy in Islamabad, posted on X on Tuesday, announced the cancellation of all visa appointments through Friday, March 6, due to the ongoing security concerns.
