Karachi traffic disrupted as MWM sit-ins continue over Parachinar situation

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Protests organised by the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) in response to the ongoing crisis in Parachinar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district, have caused significant traffic disruptions across Karachi.

The sit-ins, which began on Thursday, continued into Friday, blocking major roads and creating chaos for commuters during the morning rush hour.

The unrest in Parachinar has resulted in the deaths of over 130 individuals, with reports indicating that more than 100 children have died due to a shortage of medicines in the area.

However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif has denied the reports of child fatalities, calling them unfounded.

In Karachi, the protests have led to road closures in several key areas. MA Jinnah Road at Numaish Chowrangi is blocked, with motorists being diverted through alternative routes, such as Secretariat Chowrangi and Guru Mandir to Soldier Bazaar.

Other affected areas include Abu Al Hasan Isphahani Road to Super Highway, which has caused traffic to be rerouted through Paradise Bakery towards Fariya Chowk.

Traffic has also been redirected due to closures at Five Star Chowrangi, with vehicles moving via the service road. Additionally, parts of Sharea Faisal, including the stretch from Star Gate to Malir, remain inaccessible, forcing traffic to move via Drigh Road to Rashid Minhas Road.

The National Highway at Malir 15 Bridge, inclining towards Quaidabad, is also blocked, and traffic is being diverted from Malir Halt to Model Colony. Vehicles are being rerouted from other areas such as Manzil Pump to Younus Chowrangi and from Daud Chowrangi to the Industrial Area.

Authorities have urged commuters to use alternative routes as protests continue across the city, further complicating an already challenging traffic situation.

Addressing the protesters at Numaish Chowrangi on Thursday, MWM leader Allama Hasan Zafar Naqvi called on the government to fulfill its responsibility in restoring lasting peace to Kurram, particularly in the conflict-ridden Parachinar region.

He described the dire situation in the region, where families have been left vulnerable and abandoned, struggling without access to basic necessities.