The Sindh government has enforced a Karachi pillion riding ban and suspended mobile services as part of its citywide Muharram security plan. The measures aim to safeguard mourners and ensure peaceful Ashura processions.
The 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). In Karachi, thousands are participating in processions held under strict surveillance and security controls.
Over 5,000 police officers are guarding the central procession route from Nishtar Park. An additional 1,000 officers are managing traffic flow and checking access points throughout the city.
Muharram Security Plan Includes Phone Shutdown, Market Closures
To minimize risk, authorities have suspended mobile network services in sensitive zones. They deployed sniffer dogs, rooftop sharpshooters, and CCTV monitoring along the entire Ashura procession route.
Markets and shops on MA Jinnah Road, Empress Market, Regal, Saddar, and Lighthouse remain sealed. Containers block access to nearby streets, with only vehicles carrying procession passes allowed to enter.
Officers are preventing traffic from entering via Sharea Quaideen past Khudadad Colony checkpoint.
Karachi Traffic Diversion Amid Pillion Riding Ban
In line with the Karachi pillion riding ban, the city’s traffic police have rerouted key roads. Vehicles are barred from passing Gurumandir. Traffic is being redirected from Soldier Bazaar to Coast Guard and Nishtar Road.
Traffic from Nazimabad must use Lasbela Chowk to reach Garden. Vehicles arriving from the Super Highway are being rerouted from Liaquatabad No. 10 to Nazimabad Chowrangi No. 2.
Commuters from Liaquatabad are using Teen Hatti, Martin Road, and Jail Road. Those traveling from Hassan Square toward PP Chowrangi should take Kashmir Road under the Jail Flyover or continue via Lasbela.
Karachi Officials Urge Public to Follow Safety Measures
Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi urged citizens to comply with restrictions and traffic advisories. “Public cooperation is essential to keep the peace during Ashura,” he said during a night inspection of the main procession route.
Security teams continue to patrol high-risk zones and enforce the Karachi pillion riding ban as part of the city’s broader Muharram strategy. Officials remain on high alert through the Ashura observances.
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