Avoid THESE Routes in Karachi, Islamabad amid Iran war protests

2026-03-06 - 15:44

KARACHI – Several roads that normally carried commuters and traders were suddenly blocked in key Pakistani cities, as crowds gathered to voice their anger over international events unfolding far beyond Pakistan’s borders. The protests, called by groups including Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan and Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen, shows widespread agitation with military actions of US and Israel against Iran. A separate march organized by Dukhtar-i-Rehbar added to growing demonstrations, turning major thoroughfares into stages of political expression and public unrest. Tensions boiled over across Pakistan as streets turned into battlegrounds and major highways were shut down in wake of angry demonstrations against recent military operations by US and Israel targeting Tehran. Karachi In Sindh capital, key arteries were sealed for hours after massive rallies paralyzed traffic. Demonstrators marched through central routes, chanting fiery slogans against US and Israel in protest of strikes on Iran and the reported killing of the Iranian supreme leader. Major roads such as M.A. Jinnah Road and National Highway sections were reopened only after lengthy disruptions. The unrest was sparked by calls for nationwide action from political and religious groups. Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan earlier announced countrywide protests, while Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen urged mass demonstrations across Sindh, including Karachi. A separate procession organized by Dukhtar-i-Rehbar wound through Karachi’s streets, culminating near an Imambargah as participants voiced anger over international events. Islamabad In capital Islamabad, authorities closed entry points to heavily guarded Red Zone and diverted vehicles to alternative routes in an effort to prevent further escalation. Commuters faced hours of delays as police advised them to use secondary roads and public updates for guidance. The protests come on heels of deadly clashes earlier this month near the US consulate in Karachi, where confrontations between demonstrators and security personnel left multiple people dead and dozens injured when crowds attempted to storm the diplomatic compound. Similar unrest was reported outside the US consulate in Lahore, though security forces managed to prevent intrusions. US says Iran war could continue for more than two months