Bus services to remain partially suspended from Muharram 8 to 10 in Karachi

KARACHI: The Karachi Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Green Line service will remain suspended in the port city on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of Muharram due to security concerns, a spokesperson disclosed on Friday.

According to the spokesperson, seven out of ten routes of the Peoples Bus Service will remain closed on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

On the 8th of Muharram, five routes of the Peoples Bus Service will be partially affected, the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, the Karachi Traffic Police have also issued a detailed traffic diversion plan for these three days.

MA Jinnah Road will remain closed from Guru Mandir to Tower due to security concerns, as per the plan released on social media.

Alternative routes have been advised for commuters. Those coming from Nazimabad are directed to use Lasbela Chowk through the Garden area to reach Nishtar Park.

Commuters from Liaquatabad should take a right at Teen Hatti and proceed via Martin Road.

Those travelling from Hassan Square to PP Chowrangi may take Kashmir Road under the Jail Flyover, then head to Society Light Signal (Shahrah-e-Quaideen), or use the Jail Flyover to reach Teen Hatti and Nishtar Road via Lasbela Chowk.

A day earlier, the federal government declared July 5 and 6 (9th and 10th Muharram) as public holidays to mark Youm-e-Ashura, according to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division.

Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam. Its 10th day, known as Ashura, marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with his family members in the Battle of Karbala.

Across the country, the faithful hold processions and majalis during Muharram. Religious scholars deliver sermons to large gatherings, held under tight security.