In view of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s ongoing visit to Pakistan, Karachi authorities have implemented severe security measures, including a seven-day ban on the use of drone cameras.
Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi has issued a statement prohibiting the use of drone cameras from April 22 to April 28 as part of the city’s security regulations.
The notification authorizes the relevant Station House Officer (SHO) to take appropriate action against any breaches of this restriction.
Meanwhile, Karachi’s traffic police have issued cautions of temporary road closures on April 23 in several sections of the city.
The closures include Club Road, which runs from PIDC to Metropole, and Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Road, which will be closed to traffic from Ziauddin Road Bridge to PIDC Chowk. Additionally, Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Road will be closed from Khajoor Chowk to PIDC.
To aid traffic diversion, vehicles from Sultanabad are recommended to use Dr Ziauddin Road to Aiwan-e-Sadr Road via Khajoor Chowk. Those heading from Sharea Faisal to Sultanabad should turn left at Club Chowk. Turning left from Club Chowk provides access to Clifton Bridge and the Boat Basin.
For commuters coming from Khaliq-ul-Zaman Road and Ghazri, the suggested route is to turn right at the Ziauddin traffic signal and go towards Fawara Chowk and Aiwan-e-Sadar. Similarly, those coming from Shaheen Complex should take a right turn at Khajoor Chowk.
Commissioner Naqvi has already proclaimed April 23 a public holiday in Karachi in preparation for President Raisi’s arrival.
According to the statement, all private and government establishments, as well as educational institutions in the Karachi Division, would be closed on Tuesday, April 23. This approach is intended to reduce public disturbance while also ensuring a smooth welcoming for the Iranian delegation.
President Raisi landed in Islamabad earlier today for his formal visit, which has sparked widespread worldwide interest considering the continuing tensions between Tehran and Israel.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended a cordial welcome to President Raisi, stressing that he is the first foreign leader to visit Pakistan after the February 8 general elections.
While the visit is being closely followed by the international community, it is possible that the United States would regard it negatively because of its efforts to isolate Iran. However, Pakistan has maintained its commitment to the visit, informing the US that the interaction was scheduled well in advance of current regional tensions.
Maria Ghanchi