Traffic plan issued for Independence Day event at Karachi's National Stadium

The Karachi Traffic Police have issued an advisory for motorists ahead of the Independence Day and “Marka-e-Haq” event scheduled at the National Bank Stadium this evening.

According to the advisory, the event will commence at 6:00pm, with heavy traffic congestion expected from 5:00pm on all routes leading to the venue. 

Officials warned that large-scale traffic bottlenecks may persist until 2:00am. Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel between the Civic Centre and National Stadium during these hours.

Last month, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced that this year's celebrations would be held under the banner of Marka-e-Haq — commemorating the nation’s resilience, progress, and pride following the April–May military confrontation with India.

The term Marka-e-Haq refers to the period from the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to the conclusion of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.

Pakistan downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and dozens of drones. After at least 87 hours, the war between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US.

As per the plan issued by the Karachi Traffic Police, special parking arrangements have been made, and vehicles with the required parking stickers will be allowed to enter the National Stadium via Gate No 1 and Gate No 11.

Parking arrangements have been set up at the Expo Centre and China Ground as well. People coming from District Central can park their vehicles at the Expo Centre via its Gate No 1 and then travel to the National Stadium via the bus shuttle service.

Meanwhile, those coming from District South and District East as well as Malir residents, can reach the China Ground via Karsaz, New Town and Rashid Minhas Road.

With regard to the alternate routes, the traffic police have advised commuters going towards Sharea Faisal via Liaquatabad and the Hassan Square flyover to take the University Road and Shaheed-e-Millat Road instead.

Those going towards Liaquatabad from Karsaz are advised to take the Rashid Minhas Road and Nipa. People intending to go towards Sharea Faisal from the Expo Centre turn have been advised to opt for Shaheed-e-Millat Road.

Also, residents of districts East, Malir, South and West can use Lyari Expressway from Mirza Adam Khan Chowk, Mauripur to Sohrab Goth.

Additionally, buses, minibuses and other commercial vehicles will be diverted from Karsaz, Drigh Road, Millennium Mall, Expo Centre and New Town.

Heavy traffic will be barred from Sohrab Goth towards Nipa, Liaquatabad No 10 to Hassan Square, PP Chowrangi towards University Road.