Karachi's Traffic Strategy for the Chehlum Procession
In preparation for the Central Chehlum Procession of Hazrat Imam Hussain in Karachi tomorrow, several traffic diversions and alternative routes have been announced by the Karachi Traffic Police and Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Karachi.
Due to security reasons, MA Jinnah Road will be closed from Guru Mandir to Tower, affecting the main traffic flow along this critical route. The main procession will start from Nishtar Park and conclude at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah, following the traditional route on MA Jinnah Road.
For District Central, traffic from Nazimabad will be diverted from Lasbela Chowk to Nishtar Road via Garden towards their destinations. Traffic from Liaquatabad can either turn right at Teen Hatti towards Lasbela Chowk or left towards Martin Road (Central Jail). Traffic from Hassan Square towards PPP Chowrangi will pass under the Jail Flyover to Kashmir Road, Society Light Signal (Shahrah-e-Quaideen), then via Jail Flyover to Teen Hatti and Nishtar Road (Lasbela Chowk).
For District East, traffic from Shahrah-e-Faisal to Shahrah-e-Quaideen (Noorani Kebab) heading towards Numaish will turn right at Society Light Signal to Kashmir Road. Traffic from Central Jail Gate (Jamshed Road) to Guru Mandir will be diverted from Guru Mandir via Bahadur Yar Jang Road and Soldier Bazaar.
For District South, specific alternative routes were not explicitly mentioned in the sources; however, traffic in this area should use peripheral roads avoiding the closed segment as directed by traffic police on the ground.
Sabeel/niyaz/tabeer vehicles may enter the procession route from Tower or via Lyari Expressway Garden Interchange, Aga Khan III Road, Uncle Sarya, Nasra School, and Capri Light Signal. From Gulistan-e-Johar/Gulshan-e-Iqbal, procession participants can go to Numaish via University Road, Old Sabzi Mandi, Kashmir Road, and Society Light Signal. From Nazimabad, procession participants can go to Numaish via Lasbela, Albela, and Soldier Bazaar No. 3 Light Signal.
Heavy/commercial vehicles from Super Highway or Gulberg towards MA Jinnah Road will be diverted from Liaquatabad No. 10 to Nazimabad Chowrangi No. 2 via Habib Bank Flyover, Estate Avenue, and Mauripur. Entry to MA Jinnah Road will only be permitted for vehicles with a procession sticker on the windscreen, allowed entry via Shahrah-e-Quaideen from Society Light Signal.
The DIG Traffic Karachi emphasised that no vehicle will be allowed to park along the procession route at any time. Traffic participants are advised to follow official police guidance and use these diversion routes to avoid the procession area, particularly MA Jinnah Road, which will be strictly closed. This detailed plan comes from the Karachi Traffic Police and Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Karachi as of August 14, 2025.
During the Central Chehlum Procession of Hazrat Imam Hussain in Karachi, football enthusiasts might want to consider postponing their weekend games since MA Jinnah Road will be closed for the procession. The main procession will take place on MA Jinnah Road, affecting the traditional football grounds and clubhouses along this critical route.
