By The Karachi Traffic Police have issued a comprehensive traffic management plan for the Chehlum (20 Safar) procession scheduled for August 4, urging commuters to plan their journeys in advance to avoid congestion and delays. The detailed traffic advisory outlines the designated procession route, road closures, alternative travel routes, and restrictions for both light and heavy vehicles across the city.
Authorities stated that the annual Chehlum procession will commence at 9:00 AM from its traditional starting point in the Hussainian Iranian area before proceeding through its designated route and concluding at Nishtar Park. Due to the religious gathering, extensive traffic arrangements have been put in place to ensure public safety while maintaining the smooth flow of traffic wherever possible.
Alternate Routes for Commuters
Karachi Traffic Police have advised motorists from different parts of the city to follow specific alternate routes during the procession.
Residents travelling from Nazimabad should use Lasbela Chowk, continue via Nishtar Road and Garden, and then proceed towards their destinations.
Motorists coming from Liaquatabad have been advised to travel through Teen Hatti to Lasbela Chowk, before turning left towards Central Jail (Martin Road).
For commuters travelling from Hassan Square towards P.P. Chowrangi, the recommended route is Kashmir Road, followed by Society Light Signal (Sharea Quaideen), the Jail Flyover, Teen Hatti, and finally Nishtar Road (Lasbela Chowk).
Those travelling from Sharea Faisal towards Sharea Quaideen (Noorani Kabab) and Numaish should take a right turn at Society Light Signal, continue along Kashmir Road, and proceed to their destinations.
Meanwhile, motorists travelling from Central Jail Gate (Jamshed Road) towards Guru Mandir and M.A. Jinnah Road should use Bahadur Yar Jang Road via Soldier Bazaar.
Drivers heading from Garden Zoo towards M.A. Jinnah Road are advised to turn right at Uncle Saria, continue via Gul Plaza, then take a left towards the Coast Guard and Holy Family Hospital before proceeding onward.
Heavy Traffic Diversions Announced
Special arrangements have also been made for heavy and commercial vehicles.
Traffic arriving from the Super Highway or Gulberg towards M.A. Jinnah Road will be diverted from Liaquatabad No. 10 to Nazimabad Chowrangi No. 2, continuing via Habib Bank Flyover, State Avenue Road, Sher Shah, and Mauripur. The same diversion will apply for return traffic.
Similarly, heavy vehicles entering Karachi from the National Highway will be directed via Sharea Faisal or Rashid Minhas Road, followed by Stadium Road, Sir Shah Suleman Road, Hassan Square, Liaquatabad No. 10, Nazimabad Chowrangi No. 2, Habib Bank Flyover, State Avenue Road, Sher Shah, and Mauripur.
Traffic police have confirmed that no light or heavy vehicle will be permitted beyond Guru Mandir Chowk towards the main procession route. All such traffic will instead be diverted through Bahadur Yar Jang Road via Soldier Bazaar.
Entry Restrictions on M.A. Jinnah Road
Authorities have announced that all vehicle entry onto M.A. Jinnah Road will remain prohibited, except for vehicles displaying an official procession sticker affixed to the windscreen. These authorized vehicles will only be allowed access through Sharea Quaideen via the Society Light Signal.
Participants travelling to the procession have also been assigned dedicated routes.
- Participants from Nazimabad should travel via Lasbela, Al-Bela, Garden Jamaat Khana, and Soldier Bazaar No. 3 Light Signal before reaching Numaish.
- Participants from Liaquatabad should use Teen Hatti, Jahangir Road, and Guru Mandir to reach Numaish.
- Those arriving from Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Gulshan-e-Iqbal should use University Road, Old Sabzi Mandi, Kashmir Road, and Society Light Signal.
Parking Restrictions and Public Advisory
The Karachi Traffic Police have strictly prohibited the parking of vehicles along the entire procession route. Citizens have been urged to cooperate with traffic officials, follow diversion signs, and allow extra travel time throughout the day due to expected congestion in central Karachi.
Authorities have also advised commuters to avoid unnecessary travel near the procession route during peak hours and use the designated alternate roads to ensure a smoother journey.
With thousands of participants expected to attend the annual Chehlum procession, the traffic management plan aims to balance public safety, religious observances, and uninterrupted movement across Karachi while minimizing inconvenience for commuters.
Disclaimer: Traffic arrangements are subject to change based on security requirements and on-ground conditions. Commuters are advised to follow the instructions of Karachi Traffic Police and check official updates before traveling.
