Protests Over Parachinar Crisis Close Major Roads Across Karachi

Protests by Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) in Karachi have entered their third day, causing major traffic disruptions across the city. Sit-ins, staged against the worsening crisis in Parachinar, have led to the closure of key roads, leaving commuters struggling to navigate alternative routes. Karachi Traffic Police confirmed closures at multiple locations, including Numaish Chowrangi, Abul Hasan Isphani Road and University Road near Samama Shopping Centre.

The demonstrations, reported at over ten sites, include Five Star Chowrangi in North Nazimabad, Malir 15 bridge and Shahra-e-Pakistan near Ancholi. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah urged demonstrators to avoid creating hardship for the public, stating, “Blocking roads in Karachi and Sukkur will not resolve the Parachinar issue.”

Read more: MWM Sit-Ins Disrupt Traffic Flow Across Karachi

The protests highlight the worsening security situation in Parachinar, Kurram district, where clashes have claimed over 130 lives since November. Reports of over 100 children dying due to a medicine shortage were denied by KP government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif. Parachinar faces a humanitarian crisis, with medicine and oxygen shortages worsened by the highway’s closure.

In response, the Sindh governor’s office sent aid to Parachinar. A helicopter carrying medical supplies and relief items has reached the district to provide urgent assistance. As Karachi struggles with the protests’ impact, the focus remains on addressing the crisis in Parachinar and easing the city’s traffic woes.