Thousands stranded in traffic jam at Karachi's Numaish Chowrangi

Sindh CM calls for detailed report of situation, orders deployment of additional personnel from traffic police

The closure of Numaish Chowrangi for a religious gathering at Nishtar Park triggered massive traffic jams across adjoining areas on Wednesday, leaving thousands of commuters stranded for hours. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar took notice of the situation.

The situation worsened as vehicles came to a standstill along key arteries including MA Jinnah Road, Soldier Bazaar, Britto Road, and People’s Chowrangi. Despite pre-announced diversion plans, the traffic police were unable to maintain flow on alternate routes.

According to the traffic police spokesperson, “Sections of MA Jinnah Road from Capri Cinema to Numaish Chowrangi, Soldier Bazaar Signal No 3 to Britto Road, and People’s Chowrangi to Numaish Chowrangi were closed due to the event at Nishtar Park.”

The traffic police confirmed that while congestion had eased slightly by evening, movement remained slow around People’s Chowrangi, Capri Cinema, Corridor 3, Kashmir Road, Guru Mandir, and Allah Wali Chowrangi. Over 450 traffic wardens were deployed in three shifts to manage the situation.

Sindh chief minister and home minister took notice of the situation and directed Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho and DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah to immediately restore traffic flow.

A spokesperson for the Sindh government said the chief minister instructed officials to mobilise additional police personnel and submit a detailed report. “If traffic movement is not restored promptly, strict disciplinary action will be taken against the responsible officers,” the statement added. Lanjar also ordered senior officers to remain present at key intersections and ensure citizens are relieved from the gridlock. “Negligence in maintaining traffic flow will not be tolerated,” he said.