Roads to close in Karachi amid torch-lighting ceremony for 35th National Games

The torch-lighting ceremony for the 35th National Games is set to take place on Friday at Mazar-e-Quaid, marking the beginning of the torch’s nationwide journey. Before starting its relay across the country, the torch will be showcased at several locations throughout Karachi.

After the ceremony, the torch relay will officially begin its route across Pakistan. Sindh Sports Minister Sardar Mohammad Bakhsh Mahar, along with leading athletes, will carry the torch through various parts of Karachi.

The route will take the torch from Mazar-e-Quaid along Shahrah-e-Quaideen, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Abdullah Haroon Road, and other key city roads before reaching the seaside and Marina Club.

From there, it will embark on a symbolic sea voyage before being handed over to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the next stage of its national relay.

After an 18-year hiatus, Karachi is set to host the 35th National Games in December, with organizers vowing to make the event a milestone in Pakistan’s sporting history.

The Games will take place from December 6 to 13, bringing together athletes from across the country including teams from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Islamabad, the three armed services, and four national departments.

Organizers expect participation from over 6,000 athletes, 2,800 team officials, and 1,100 technical officers, making it the largest edition in the event’s history with nearly 10,000 participants in total.