The Karachi traffic diversion plan for Chehlum procession 2025 has been officially announced by the Karachi Traffic Police to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhanced security during the central Chehlum procession of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) on Friday. The main procession will begin at Nishtar Park, follow its traditional route, and conclude at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah.
With thousands of participants expected, the traffic management strategy includes road closures, alternative routes, and heavy vehicle restrictions to maintain safety and order in the city.
Road Closures for Security
Due to heightened security arrangements, MA Jinnah Road will remain completely closed from Guru Mandir to Tower throughout the procession. No vehicles, regardless of size, will be allowed to enter the main procession route beyond Guru Mandir Chowk. Only vehicles with official procession stickers on their windscreens will be permitted entry, via Shahrah-e-Quaideen from Society Light Signal.
Alternative Routes for District Central
Traffic diversions have been arranged for commuters traveling from key areas in District Central:
- From Nazimabad: Vehicles will be redirected from Lasbela Chowk to Nishtar Road via Garden towards their destinations.
- From Liaquatabad: Traffic can either turn right at Teen Hatti towards Lasbela Chowk or left towards Martin Road (Central Jail).
- From Hassan Square towards PPP Chowrangi: Drivers will pass under the Jail Flyover to Kashmir Road, Society Light Signal (Shahrah-e-Quaideen), and use the Jail Flyover to reach Teen Hatti and Nishtar Road.
Alternative Routes for District East
For commuters in District East, the Karachi traffic diversion plan for Chehlum procession 2025 outlines:
- From Shahrah-e-Faisal to Shahrah-e-Quaideen: Vehicles heading towards Numaish must turn right at Society Light Signal to reach Kashmir Road.
- From Central Jail Gate (Jamshed Road) to Guru Mandir: Traffic will be diverted via Bahadur Yar Jang Road and Soldier Bazaar.
Alternative Routes for District South
Drivers in District South will follow these diversions:
- From Garden Zoo to MA Jinnah Road: Turn right at Uncle Sarya to Gul Plaza, or turn left towards Coast Guard and Holy Family Hospital.
Heavy Traffic Restrictions
Heavy and commercial vehicles face specific diversions to avoid congestion:
- From Super Highway or Gulberg towards MA Jinnah Road: Divert from Liaquatabad No. 10 to Nazimabad Chowrangi No. 2 via Habib Bank Flyover, Estate Avenue, Sher Shah to Mauripur, and return via the same route.
- From National Highway towards the city: Use Shahrah-e-Faisal or Rashid Minhas Road, Stadium Road, Sir Shah Suleman Road, Hassan Square, Liaquatabad No. 10, Nazimabad Chowrangi No. 2, Habib Bank Flyover, Estate Avenue, Sher Shah to Mauripur — returning the same way.
Routes for Procession Participants
Participants in the central Chehlum procession can use the following approved routes:
- From Nazimabad: Lasbela, Albela, right turn to Garden Jamaat Khana, Soldier Bazaar No. 3 Light Signal to Numaish.
- From Liaquatabad: Teen Hatti, Jehangir Road, Guru Mandir to Numaish.
- From Society Light Signal: Direct to Numaish.
- From Gulistan-e-Johar/Gulshan-e-Iqbal: University Road, Old Sabzi Mandi, Kashmir Road, Society Light Signal to Numaish.
Routes for Sabeel, Niyaz, and Tabeer Vehicles
Vehicles carrying sabeel, niyaz, or tabeer for participants may join the procession route from Tower or via Lyari Expressway Garden Interchange, Aga Khan III Road, Uncle Sarya, Nasra School, Capri Light Signal. They may also join from Bahadur Yar Jang Road (Soldier Bazaar), passing Holy Family Hospital and turning right at Nasra School to Capri Light Signal.
Parking and Safety Regulations
The DIG Traffic Karachi has strictly prohibited any form of parking along the procession route. This measure aims to prevent obstructions and ensure that emergency vehicles can pass if needed. Authorities have emphasized cooperation from citizens to avoid unnecessary delays.
Why This Diversion Plan Matters
The Karachi traffic diversion plan for Chehlum procession 2025 is not just about traffic control; it’s about safeguarding the lives of thousands of citizens participating in one of the city’s largest religious gatherings. Given the expected influx of people from different districts, coordinated route management is crucial to prevent gridlocks and maintain access for security forces and ambulances.
Past processions have shown that clear communication of road closures and diversions significantly reduces public inconvenience. The police have therefore issued detailed maps and advisories to local media, ensuring both residents and visitors are aware of the traffic changes in advance.
If you are not participating in the Chehlum procession, it’s best to avoid the affected areas altogether and use the suggested alternative routes. Plan your travel ahead of time, keep track of live traffic updates, and allow extra time for potential delays. Public transport services may also adjust their routes to accommodate the diversion plan.
The Karachi Traffic Police urge all citizens to cooperate fully with the authorities, follow the diversion signs, and exercise patience during the event. With proper planning and public awareness, the Karachi traffic diversion plan for Chehlum procession 2025 can ensure a safe and smooth experience for both participants and daily commuters.
