Traffic jams in Karachi as IDEAS 2014 kicks off
Roads leading to Expo Centre blocked with containers, congestion on Shahra-e-Faisal, Rashid Minhas, University roads
KARACHI:
Many remained stuck in traffic for hours in Karachi when security forces blocked several main roads to ensure safety of those attending the 8th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) held at Karachi's Expo Centre, Express News reported.
Roads leading to the exhibition venue - which stands in Gulshan-e-Iqbal town near Civic Center - were blocked with big containers, with vehicles diverted to alternate routes.
Due to the sheer number of vehicles on the congested alternate routes, it took commuters hours to reach their destination.
These blockades have caused massive traffic jams on Shahra-e-Faisal, Rashid Minhas Road and University Road.
Frustrated commuters, while speaking to Express News, complained about mismanagement of the traffic situation and absence of adequate number of traffic police officials.
"There is a lack of coordination which is creating problems for the people; children were unable to go to school today," said one commuter, adding that ambulances were also stuck in the traffic.
The exhibition showcased equipment including tanks, aircraft, APCs, ammunition, ship building and communications related equipment of 232 defence companies of the world, including 77 Pakistani firms and will go on for four days. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in Karachi to inaugurate the exhibition and seminar.
Many remained stuck in traffic for hours in Karachi when security forces blocked several main roads to ensure safety of those attending the 8th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) held at Karachi's Expo Centre, Express News reported.
Roads leading to the exhibition venue - which stands in Gulshan-e-Iqbal town near Civic Center - were blocked with big containers, with vehicles diverted to alternate routes.
Due to the sheer number of vehicles on the congested alternate routes, it took commuters hours to reach their destination.
These blockades have caused massive traffic jams on Shahra-e-Faisal, Rashid Minhas Road and University Road.
Frustrated commuters, while speaking to Express News, complained about mismanagement of the traffic situation and absence of adequate number of traffic police officials.
"There is a lack of coordination which is creating problems for the people; children were unable to go to school today," said one commuter, adding that ambulances were also stuck in the traffic.
The exhibition showcased equipment including tanks, aircraft, APCs, ammunition, ship building and communications related equipment of 232 defence companies of the world, including 77 Pakistani firms and will go on for four days. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived in Karachi to inaugurate the exhibition and seminar.