Karachi Traffic Police has issued a comprehensive traffic management plan for the central Chehlum procession scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, warning motorists that several major roads will remain closed and traffic diversions will be in place throughout the day.
The plan has been introduced to ensure the smooth movement of the religious procession while maintaining public safety and minimizing disruptions across the city. Authorities have urged commuters to plan their journeys in advance and follow the instructions of traffic officials.
Central Procession Route and Road Closures
According to the traffic police, the central Chehlum procession will begin at 9:00 am from Nishtar Park. During the procession, MA Jinnah Road will remain completely closed to all traffic.
Vehicles travelling from Saddar toward Tower will be diverted via Preedy Street and II Chundrigar Road. Traffic diversions will also be enforced around Lighthouse, Empress Market, Regal Chowk, and Tibet Centre to facilitate the movement of mourners.
Alternate Routes for Motorists
Motorists approaching from Shahrah-e-Quaideen will be redirected through Kashmir Road and People’s Chowrangi.
Traffic arriving from Korangi, Landhi, and the National Highway will be diverted toward Rashid Minhas Road and the Super Highway.
Drivers travelling from Nazimabad will be able to reach their destinations via Lasbela, Garden, and Nishtar Road, while traffic from Liaquatabad will be diverted at Lasbela Chowk toward Nazimabad No. 10.
Vehicles coming from Hassan Square will be routed through Shahrah-e-Quaideen, Society Light Signal, Teen Hatti, and Lasbela Chowk. Meanwhile, traffic approaching from Shahrah-e-Faisal will be diverted through Society Light Signal and Sher Shah Suri Road.
Motorists travelling from Jamshed Road toward Guru Mandir have been advised to use Bahadur Yar Jang Road or Soldier Bazaar Road as alternate routes.
Restrictions on Heavy Traffic and Parking
Traffic police also announced that heavy vehicles will not be allowed to enter Karachi from 10:00 am until the central procession concludes.
In addition, parking of all types of vehicles will be strictly prohibited along the procession route. Any vehicle found parked in restricted areas will be towed away immediately to ensure the smooth passage of the procession and emergency services.
Heightened Security for Chehlum Observance
Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala will be observed on August 4 with religious devotion and solemnity under enhanced security arrangements across Karachi and other parts of Sindh.
Observed annually on the 20th of Safar, Chehlum marks the end of the 40-day mourning period following the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his family members, and companions in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The occasion holds deep religious significance for Muslims, particularly the Shia community.
Mourning processions featuring Alam, Tazia, and Zuljinah will be held in various cities across the province. Authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate with security personnel, follow the announced traffic plan, and use designated alternate routes to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure the peaceful conduct of the observances.
