News of Karachi roadblocks spread all over on Tuesday, leaving residents and shopkeepers baffled. Karachi Police said that the city did not have any protests, and all major roads were reopened later.
Karachi Road Updates: Police Clarify Situation
Throughout the day, social media was swamped with inquiries regarding Karachi road conditions, and people were interested in knowing which roads were open and which ones were closed. The Karachi Police later announced all rumors of mass protests to be false and asked citizens not to trust rumors.
Heavy police deployment was made in different parts of the city following a protest call by a religious organization. However, officials confirmed that the situation in Karachi remained normal with no major disruptions in traffic or public movement.
DIG West Irfan Baloch assured that small protests held in two to three points in New Karachi, Sindhi Hotel, 4k Chowrangi, and Godhra Hospital. In one of these protests, a few demonstrators hurled stones at police, injuring two policemen. The crowd dispersed with tear gas by police, and five of those who participated in creating unrest were arrested.
The government later reinstated normal traffic in all the affected regions. According to the Traffic police, Karachi roads and all major routes, including those temporarily hit in the protests, were back to movement.
During the disturbance near Sindhi Hotel, two children were reportedly injured. Protesters claimed the injuries were due to police firing, but Karachi Police denied using live ammunition. Officials said no hospitals had reported any gunshot-related injuries and added that the children might have been hit by tear gas shells.
Section 144 and Public Advisory
Section 144 remains in effect across Karachi, prohibiting any public gatherings or demonstrations. Police have warned of strict action against those violating the law.
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar also made a statement asking the citizens to remain calm and disregard rumors of unrest or road blocks. He confirmed that the roads in Karachi are clear and there is normal traffic flow, and people should only depend on official Karachi road updates by the law enforcers.
