Protests organized by Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) in Karachi have caused severe traffic disruptions in response to the ongoing crisis in Parachinar, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district. The sit-ins, which began on Thursday, have continued into Friday, blocking major roads and causing significant congestion during the morning rush hour.
The crisis in Parachinar has led to over 130 deaths, with reports indicating that more than 100 children have died due to a severe shortage of medicines in the area. However, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, a spokesperson for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, has denied these claims, calling the reports of child fatalities “unfounded.”
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In Karachi, the protests have resulted in road closures across several key areas. MA Jinnah Road at Numaish Chowrangi has been blocked, forcing motorists to take alternative routes such as Secretariat Chowrangi and Guru Mandir to Soldier Bazaar. Other affected areas include Abu Al Hasan Isphahani Road to the Super Highway, which has led to traffic rerouting via Paradise Bakery towards Fariya Chowk. Traffic is also being redirected at Five Star Chowrangi, with vehicles moving through the service road. Parts of Sharea Faisal, including the stretch from Star Gate to Malir, remain inaccessible, and traffic has been diverted through Drigh Road to Rashid Minhas Road. Additionally, the National Highway at Malir 15 Bridge is blocked, with traffic being rerouted via Malir Halt to Model Colony.
Authorities have urged commuters to avoid these areas and use alternative routes, as the protests are likely to continue. MWM leader Allama Hasan Zafar Naqvi, addressing the protesters at Numaish Chowrangi, called on the government to take responsibility for restoring peace to Kurram, particularly in the conflict-stricken Parachinar region. He highlighted the struggles of families in the region, who are facing severe shortages of basic necessities amidst ongoing violence and instability.
