Members of the Rickshaw Association staged a protest outside the Karachi Press Club, blocking roads with rickshaws and causing severe traffic congestion in surrounding areas, as they opposed the ban on rickshaws from 11 major roads in the city.

The protesters parked their rickshaws to intentionally block main roads around the Press Club.

The demonstration led to a massive traffic jam, stranding thousands of commuters in sweltering heat. The situation quickly escalated, with gridlock spreading across multiple central arteries of the city.

The protest, which ended after an hour, was organized in response to the recent government decision to restrict rickshaw movement on 11 key city roads, a move the association claims is unfair and detrimental to drivers’ livelihoods.

Eyewitnesses reported that the chaos disrupted public and private transportation alike, with many people forced to walk long distances due to blocked routes.

The Rickshaw Association has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the restrictions and has called on city officials to initiate dialogue. Protesters have warned of continued disruption if their demands are not met.

More updates on this developing story will follow as authorities work to ease the traffic situation and engage with the protestors.