As the holy month of Muharram approaches, the Sindh government has rolled out a comprehensive security and traffic management plan to ensure public safety during religious gatherings and processions. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced that nearly 50,000 police personnel will be deployed across the province, particularly in Karachi and other major cities, to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents.
The minister noted that the volatile regional situation, coupled with threats from anti-state elements in coordination with hostile forces, has necessitated elevated security measures during Muharram. He reassured citizens that the provincial government has made “foolproof arrangements” for the safety of mourners.
Security Measures and Religious Harmony
Minister Memon emphasized the importance of national unity and inter-sectarian harmony, stating that Muharram should not be exploited to incite religious discord. He shared that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has held meetings with religious scholars from various sects to promote peaceful observance of the holy days and reviewed security plans in detail.
According to the plan:
- 14,546 police personnel will be deployed at majalis (gatherings).
- 35,116 personnel will be stationed along procession routes.
- 14,000 additional officers will assist in overall security.
From 8th to 10th Muharram, a total of 49,662 police officers will be on duty across key districts including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, and Shaheed Benazirabad.
Sharjeel also stated that while criticism is welcomed in a democratic society, the government will not allow disruptions to public order. He proposed the allocation of a designated protest area to ensure demonstrations do not hinder public life.
Special Traffic Arrangements for Muharram 8th–10th
The Karachi Traffic Police have issued a dedicated traffic plan for the 8th, 9th, and 10th of Muharram, with major road closures and diversions to accommodate security for main processions.
Key Highlights:
- MA Jinnah Road will remain closed from Guru Mandir to Tower throughout all three days due to security precautions.
- The main processions will start from Nishtar Park and end at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah, following traditional routes.
- Only vehicles with official procession stickers will be allowed access to the route.
Traffic Diversions and Routes:
- From Nazimabad: Commuters should take Lasbela Chowk → Nishtar Road → Garden.
- From Liaquatabad: Use Teen Hatti → Lasbela Chowk or turn left toward Central Jail/Martin Road.
- From Hassan Square to PP Chowrangi: Route via Kashmir Road → Society Signal → Sharah-e-Quaideen → Nishtar Road.
- From Sharea Faisal/Numaish: Turn at Society Signal to Kashmir Road for access to Numaish or nearby areas.
- From Jail Gate/Jamshed Road: Use Bahadur Yar Jang Road via Soldier Bazaar to reach central areas.
- From Garden Zoo to MA Jinnah Road: Divert via Anklesaria towards Gul Plaza or Coast Guard.
Heavy Vehicle Routes:
- From Super Highway or Gulberg: Divert from Liaquatabad No.10 → Nazimabad Chowrangi No.2 → Habib Bank Flyover → State Avenue Road → Shershah → Mauripur.
- From National Highway: Follow Sharea Faisal → Rashid Minhas Road → Stadium Road → Sir Shah Suleman → Hassan Square → Nazimabad → Mauripur (return route same).
Additional Guidelines:
- No vehicles—small or large—will be permitted beyond Guru Mandir Chowk without clearance.
- All other traffic will be diverted via Bahadur Yar Jang Road and Soldier Bazaar.
- Vehicles participating in the procession or distributing niaz/tabarruk may enter only from Tower near Memon Masjid.
- Parking is strictly prohibited along the procession route.
Participants from various areas including Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Teen Hatti, Jehangir Road, University Road, and Kashmir Road can access the procession through Numaish.
Authorities urge the public to cooperate with law enforcement and traffic personnel to ensure safe and smooth observance of Muharram across the city.
