Islamabad, March 4 – Several key roads in Karachi, Pakistan, remained closed on Wednesday for the third consecutive day due to the prevailing security situation following protests after the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, local media reported.
As many as 11 protesters were killed, and several others were injured in Karachi during the protest outside the US Consulate following Khamenei's death.
Barriers have been placed at the railway crossing on Mai Kolachi Road, and there is a heavy presence of traffic police on the road. Residents and office workers are allowed to travel from Boat Basin to Mai Kolachi after showing their national identity cards.
Shipping containers have been placed on the PIDC Bridge to stop traffic towards Jinnah Bridge and Mai Kolachi for general traffic. Barriers have also been placed to prevent traffic from MT Khan Road to PIDC Road and Mai Kolachi, with police and Rangers personnel deployed at the site.
Similarly, roads have been closed from Jinnah Bridge towards Mai Kolachi and PIDC Road. Residents near Bilawal House and Boat Basin have been asked to use alternative routes via Clifton Bridge and then towards Metropole and II Chundrigar Road.
Traffic and local police officials are deployed in various parts of Karachi to guide commuters about detours. Authorities said that personnel have been deployed at various locations in the city, and people can contact the traffic police helpline to receive updated information about road conditions, Geo News reported.
Amid the prevailing security situation in Pakistan, the US Embassy in Islamabad and its consulates in Lahore and Karachi have temporarily suspended operations.
In a message posted on X on Tuesday, the US Embassy in Islamabad stated, "Due to the current security situation, the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates General in Lahore and Karachi have cancelled all visa appointments through Friday, March 6."
