MWM Sit-Ins Disrupt Traffic Flow Across Karachi

Protests by the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) over the ongoing crisis in Parachinar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district, have disrupted traffic across Karachi. The sit-ins, which began on Thursday, continued into Friday. Protesters blocked major roads, causing chaos during the morning rush hour.

The crisis in Parachinar has claimed over 130 lives. Reports suggest a shortage of medicines has led to the deaths of over 100 children. However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif dismissed these reports, calling them baseless.

Read more: Life-Saving Drugs, Oxygen Shortage Hits Parachinar Hospitals

Road Closures and Diversions

The protests have led to several road closures across Karachi:

• MA Jinnah Road: Numaish Chowrangi remains blocked, with traffic diverted through Secretariat Chowrangi and Guru Mandir to Soldier Bazaar.
• Abu Al Hasan Isphahani Road: Blocked towards Super Highway, rerouting vehicles via Paradise Bakery to Fariya Chowk.
• Five Star Chowrangi: Closed, forcing vehicles to use the service road.
• Shahrah-e-Faisal: Parts, including Star Gate and Malir, are shut, with traffic diverted via Drigh Road to Rashid Minhas Road.
• National Highway: Blocked at Malir 15 Bridge towards Quaidabad. Vehicles are rerouted from Malir Halt to Model Colony and other areas like Manzil Pump to Younus Chowrangi.

MWM leader Allama Hasan Zafar Naqvi, speaking at Numaish Chowrangi, urged the government to ensure lasting peace in Kurram, particularly in Parachinar. Authorities have advised commuters to use alternate routes as the protests continue, worsening the already challenging traffic situation.