KARACHI: Karachi, the economic hub of Pakistan, is facing a severe traffic crisis as protests, infrastructure issues, and security measures bring the city to a standstill, according to Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor.
According to Pasban Democratic Party, recent weeks have seen the city's traffic situation worsen, with significant road blockages caused by protests and infrastructure failures. Notably, a sit-in by lawyers near the Chief Minister's House on August 20 led to road closures in the South district, severely disrupting one of the city's key business areas.
Additional disruptions occurred on August 22, when residents of Liaquatabad, Pak Colony, and Nishtar Road protested against prolonged power outages, further compounding traffic congestion. These protests coincided with religious processions, creating additional challenges for commuters.
The city's chronic traffic issues are further exacerbated by ongoing construction projects, such as the Green Line BRT extension, and by rampant encroachments and double parking, particularly affecting M.A. Jinnah Road and University Road. The PDP Chairman highlighted the need for improved traffic management to address these challenges.
Frequent road closures for security reasons have resulted in significant fuel wastage and lost productivity, impacting the national economy. Criticism has been directed at entities like the Karachi Port Trust for poor operational planning that has overwhelmed the road network.
The city's vulnerability to natural disasters, such as heavy rains, has also exposed the fragility of its urban infrastructure. Although initiatives like the introduction of electric buses provide some hope, they have yet to alleviate the immediate traffic problems faced by millions.
As Karachi faces the possibility of a shutdown threatened by transporters, there are growing calls for a comprehensive strategy to address illegal encroachments and improve construction planning. Altaf Shakoor emphasized the need for political and religious parties to collaborate with the government to develop standard operating procedures for protests and rallies, ensuring public mobility and constitutional rights are upheld.