Traffic blocked as ASWJ stages sit-ins across Karachi

Karachi witnessed widespread disruptions on Monday as workers of a religious group staged sit-ins at nine different locations across the city. The protests severely impacted traffic flow, leaving citizens stranded for hours.

Key protest sites included Star Gate on Shahrah-e-Faisal, Korangi, Tower, Old Sabzi Mandi, Gurumandir, Nagan Chowrangi, Essa Nagri, Burns Road, and Qayyumabad.

The sit-ins led to massive traffic jams, with long queues of vehicles reported on several major thoroughfares.

In Orangi Town, a protest at Number 4.75 area resulted in the complete closure of a key road for traffic, adding to the city’s gridlock.

Tension at Numaish Chowrangi

Meanwhile, a tense situation unfolded at Numaish Chowrangi, where police took action against protesters staging a sit-in on MA Jinnah Road.

The protesters reportedly set fire to a police mobile, a checkpoint, and six motorcycles belonging to police personnel. Stone pelting by the demonstrators injured at least one police officer.

Authorities detained multiple protesters at the site as part of the operation. However, protests continued at other locations, including Kamran Chowrangi, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Abbas Town, and Golimar.

Protests Reduced in Scale

While the protests were previously widespread, the number of active sit-ins in Karachi has reduced to four. The demonstrations are part of ongoing efforts by the group to highlight grievances and call for peace in Parachinar, where recent incidents have raised security concerns.

The situation remains volatile, with authorities on high alert to prevent further escalation.