Karachi: Road blockades create problems for people

KARACHI: Road blockades in different areas of the city have created immense problems for the people while the police and law enforcing agencies are not taking any action to facilitate citizens.

On University Road, three road blockades were witnessed near Safari Park, Hassan Square and Jail Road. Motorists and commuters faced a lot of inconvenience due to road closures. Even ambulance vans were seen stuck in some areas.

Police and rangers were present but instead of persuading protestors not to block roads, they asked the motorists to return. People were force to use long alternate routes to reach their destinations.

Superhighway and National Highway were also blockaded.

According to sources, several roads in the city are blocked due to protests that are taking place against the sectarian killings in Quetta in which more than 100 people died on Thursday.

Due to demonstrations in several areas, commuters are facing severe difficulties as the roads are blocked in Korangi, Orangi Town, Malir, Natha Khan, Gulistan e Jauhar, Gulshan e Iqbal, Rizvia Society, Steel Town and Start Gate areas.

Traffic was suspended on Shahrae Faisal, University Road, Shahrae Pakistan, Shahrae Quaideen, Lasbela, MA Jinnahy Road and on several other main roads due to sit-in.

Educational institutions across the city remained closed today while the examinations that were scheduled for today were also cancelled by the University of Karachi and Intermediate Board.

Karachi Transport Ittehad had also announced to keep the public transport of fthe roads due to which thin traffic was observed on the roads while petrol pumps also remained shut.

Cellular services were also suspended for more than 12 hours while pillion riding has been banned for indefinite period.

On the appeal of Pakistan Bar Council, lawyers in Sindh High Court, City Court and Malir Courts are also boycotting the proceedings today to show solidarity with the protesters in Quetta.

It may be mentioned that over 80 people including three media personnel, nine policemen and several rescue workers lost their lives while covering the back to back suicide blasts at Alamdar Road in Quetta.

The relatives of the deceased were protesting at Alamdar Road for the past four days, demanding the government to hand over the matters to the Army.

Yakjeehti Council leader Qayyum Chengezi Hazara has announced to end their four days long sit-in here following the imposition of Governor’s rule in Balochsitan by the prime minister. After the announcement, protest demonstrations across the country are also being concluded, sources told.

President Asif Ali Zardari has also signed the summary regarding imposition of Governor's rule in Balochistan.