Karachi roads blocked as JI protests fuel levy

Traffic was disrupted across several major parts of Karachi on Friday as Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) workers

Traffic was disrupted across several major parts of Karachi on Friday as Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) workers staged sit-ins against the federal petroleum levy.

The protests were part of a nationwide campaign announced by the party. JI had said it would hold demonstrations at hundreds of locations across the country by blocking major roads.

Karachi traffic police issued an advisory warning motorists about congestion, temporary diversions and partial road closures in several areas.

Major routes affected included areas around Mazar-i-Quaid, Numaish Chowrangi, Saddar, Sharea Faisal, Shahrah-i-Pakistan, UP Mor, Power House Chowrangi, Defence Housing Authority, Sea View, Shahrah-i-Orangi, Hub River Road, Super Highway and National Highway.

The traffic police advised citizens to avoid the protest-hit areas where possible and use alternative routes. Commuters were also asked to allow additional time for their journeys.

According to updates shared by JI Karachi, protesters blocked the road connecting Sharea Faisal with Natha Khan. The Super Highway and Hub River Road were also affected.

Another road connecting the Sharea Faisal Nursery Bus Stop with the airport was reportedly blocked as protesters gathered at the designated locations.

The demonstrations prompted criticism from the Sindh government.

Provincial government spokesperson Sadia Javed said the petroleum levy was a federal issue and questioned why Karachi’s residents were facing difficulties because of the protest.

She accused the JI of using the demonstrations for political gains instead of addressing public issues through relevant constitutional forums.

Javed said road blockades were affecting the daily lives of millions of Karachi residents and raised concerns about the movement of ambulances and patients during the disruptions.

She urged the party to raise its objections in Parliament and other relevant forums rather than blocking roads.

The government spokesperson also warned protesters against damaging public property or taking the law into their own hands.

The demonstrations were not limited to Karachi. JI workers also gathered in Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta and Peshawar as part of the nationwide campaign.

In Islamabad, protesters reportedly blocked Srinagar Highway near Golra Mor while attempting to march towards Chungi 26.

Several locations across Sindh also witnessed demonstrations, including Thatta, Matiari, Tando Allahyar and Shikarpur.