Multiple roads in Karachi are being closed on Tuesday as the city has been placed on high alert in anticipation of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit on Tuesday. Raisi arrived in Islamabad on Monday.

Security measures have been ramped up, with containers placed around Mazar-e-Quaid and a heavy deployment of police, Rangers, and security personnel expected throughout the city.

The traffic police have issued a plan listing all the roads that will remain closed on Tuesday. The plan was updated late Monday night with Sharae Faisal, the main artery of the city, added to the list of roads that will be temporarily closed.

A traffic plan updated issued by DIG (traffic) said that Sharae Faisal will be closed between 3pm and 5pm for its entire length, from the airport to the PIDC Chowk. The closure will affect both tracks leading into and out of the city center.

The DIG traffic advised travellers coming from Defence and Clifton areas to take the Industrial Area route to access the Jinnah International Airport. Travel from Kemari and other areas have been advised to take Marripur Road and Lyari Expressway.

M. A. Jinnah road will be closed between Guru Mandir and Garden Chowk from 3pm to 5pm. This area also faces complete closure at several points.

Complete closure: Club Road from PIDC to Metropole; the road leading from Dr. Ziauddin Road to PIDC Chowk and passing in front of the CM House; M.A. Jinnah Road from Guru Mandir; Peoples Chowrangi near Mazar-e-Qaid, and Sharah-e-Qaideen.

Traffic diversions: Vehicles from Sultanabad will be directed towards Aiwan-e-Sadr Road via Dr. Ziauddin Road Khajoor Chowk. Traffic from Shahrah-e-Faisal towards Sultanabad will turn left at Club Chowk towards Clifton Bridge and Boat Basin. Traffic from Khaliq-uz-Zaman Road and Ghizri will turn right at Ziauddin Road signal towards Metropole, Fountain Chowk, and Aiwan-e-Sadr Road. Traffic from Shaheen Complex will turn right at Khajoor Chowk towards Aiwan-e-Sadr Road, Metropole, Clifton, and other areas.

Security arrangements for the high-profile visit will cause significant disruption to daily life in Karachi.

Movenpick Hotel will be under government control from April 22nd to 24th, with all bookings during this period cancelled and shops within the hotel closed.

Additionally, a public holiday has been declared for April 22nd, closing all private and government offices and educational institutions.

To ensure smooth movement for the high-level delegation, a traffic plan has been issued, resulting in the temporary closure of several roads:

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Citizens are advised to plan their travel accordingly and expect potential delays. The authorities have assured that these security measures are temporary and will be lifted once the President’s visit concludes.