Traffic police launches 24/7 helpline to assist Karachiites amid protests

KARACHI: Traffic police have launched a 24/7 helpline to assist the residents of Karachi amid ongoing Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) at 12 locations across the city, ARY News reported.

According to reports, the demonstrations, ongoing for three days, have resulted in road closures, causing frustration among residents. However, the traffic police have taken proactive measures to ease the situation.

To assist citizens, the Karachi Traffic Police have established a 24-hour operation at their 1915 helpline office, working in three shifts to provide real-time traffic updates.

Speaking to ARY News, Sub-Inspector Ilyas Siyal explained, “We are utilizing four telephones exclusively for the helpline and monitoring the situation through cameras. While the protests have disrupted traffic for three days, we are guiding citizens on which routes are blocked and suggesting alternative paths to their destinations.”

He added that the team is working tirelessly in three shifts around the clock to ensure uninterrupted assistance.

Meanwhile, citizens have urged the authorities to resolve the situation through negotiations and bring the sit-ins to an end.

Read More: Karachi faces massive traffic jams as key roads closed amid MWM protests

Earlier, MWM spread its sit-ins from Numaish Chowrangi to across Karachi to protest against Parachinar situation.

The protests have resulted in the closure of several major roads, including MA Jinnah Road, which is closed for traffic at Numaish Chowrangi. Abul Hasan Ispahani Road is also closed on both sides near Abbas Town.

Additionally, Five-Star Chowrangi is completely closed while University Road is also closed from Metro Shopping Center to Nipa Chowrangi.

Main Shahrah-e-Faisal is closed from Kala Pul to Malir Road, while National Highway is closed on both roads near Malir 15 Bridge.

To manage the traffic flow, diversions have been made. Traffic from Malir, Korangi Industrial Area, and Clifton Defence can use the route from Sanghar Chowrangi to Shah Faisal Colony, Rita Plot, Shama Shopping Center, and Shah Faisal Colony Bridge to reach the airport, according to Karachi Traffic Police.

Traffic from Pehlwan Goth to the airport can use the route via Karsaz, Drig Road, Millennium, and Johar Chowrangi.

Traffic police have diverted traffic from Power House Chowrangi to Service Road. An alternative route has been provided from Power House Chowrangi to Service Road.

Incholi Shahrah-e-Pakistan has been closed towards Sohrab Goth. Water Pump Chowrangi to Cardiac Hospital and Gulberg Chowrangi have also been diverted.

Commuters are advised to check for updates before traveling as traffic diversions are subject to change.