Containers were placed to block access to key routes, causing long queues of vehicles on I.I. Chundrigar Road and surrounding areas.

Traffic also came to a standstill on Dr. Ziauddin Road, near Zeenab Market, and at the Arts Council and Sindh Assembly roundabouts.

Commuters faced hours of delays as the gridlock extended across multiple arterial roads.

Police sources said routes leading to the Governor House and Chief Minister House were sealed to prevent any demonstration.

Fire tenders and ambulances were also trapped in the traffic near the main Arts Council intersection, authorities added.

Traffic is being redirected to alternative routes, but the congestion continued well into the afternoon, causing widespread disruption for residents and motorists in central Karachi.