Karachi authorities announce traffic management scheme for Independence Day festivities at National Stadium
This evening, the much-anticipated "Marka-e-Haq" event is scheduled to take place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. Given the high-profile nature of the event and the expected large attendance, the Karachi Traffic Police have issued specific traffic restrictions and advised the public on alternative routes due to expected heavy congestion.
Traffic Restrictions and Alternative Routes
For those intending to go towards Sharea Faisal from the Expo Centre, it is advised to opt for Shaheed-e-Millat Road. The traffic restrictions focus on avoiding the route between the Civic Centre and National Stadium to prevent getting stuck in gridlock, as this corridor will see severe traffic build-up.
Commercial vehicles will be diverted from Karsaz, Drigh Road, Millennium Mall, Expo Centre, and New Town. Motorists are strongly advised to use alternative routes and avoid the Civic Centre–National Stadium axis during event hours to prevent delays. Although specific alternative routes are not detailed, it is recommended to plan routes that bypass the stadium vicinity and high-traffic corridors near Civic Centre.
Additional Measures and Parking Arrangements
Authorities have deployed additional personnel and checkpoints to manage the surge in vehicles and ensure security and smooth traffic management around the venue. Special parking arrangements have been made for the event at the National Stadium, with vehicles with the required parking stickers allowed to enter via Gate No 1 and Gate No 11. Parking arrangements have also been set up at the Expo Centre and China Ground.
Traffic Diversions and Avoiding Non-Essential Travel
Residents of districts East, Malir, South, and West can use Lyari Expressway from Mirza Adam Khan Chowk, Mauripur to Sohrab Goth. Those coming from District Central can park their vehicles at the Expo Centre via its Gate No 1. Citizens are urged to avoid non-essential travel between the Civic Centre and National Stadium during this period.
Heavy traffic will be barred from Sohrab Goth towards Nipa, Liaquatabad No 10 to Hassan Square, and PP Chowrangi towards University Road. The traffic police have advised commuters going towards Sharea Faisal via Liaquatabad and the Hassan Square flyover to take the University Road and Shaheed-e-Millat Road instead.
Event Timings and Anticipated Congestion
The Marka-e-Haq event will be held at the National Bank Stadium, starting at 6:00 pm, with traffic congestion expected from 5:00 pm onwards, potentially lasting until 2:00 am. Large-scale traffic delays due to the event could continue until 2am.
Background
This year's Independence Day celebrations in Pakistan are being held under the banner of Marka-e-Haq. The term Marka-e-Haq refers to the period from the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to the conclusion of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. Last month, Pakistan downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and dozens of drones during a military confrontation with India.
Stay updated with the latest traffic updates and plan your routes accordingly to ensure a smooth journey during the Marka-e-Haq event in Karachi.
- Given the Marka-e-Haq event's ties to recent geopolitical events, such as the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the downing of Indian fighter jets by Pakistan, it is clear the world, including the US and China, are closely watching the proceedings.
- To avoid heavy congestion near the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, where the Marka-e-Haq event is taking place, Pakistanis are advised to use alternative routes such as Shaheed-e-Millat Road, the Lyari Expressway, and University Road, while avoiding non-essential travel on the Civic Centre–National Stadium axis.
- To accommodate the influx of people attending the Marka-e-Haq event, special parking arrangements have been made at the National Stadium, the Expo Centre, and China Ground, and authorities have deployed additional personnel to manage the surge in vehicles and maintain security.
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