Karachi Roads Reopen After Deadly Protests Outside US Consulate
Authorities in Karachi have reopened several major roads near the United States Consulate after they remained closed for days following violent protests in the area.
According to Karachi Traffic Police, MT Khan Road from Jinnah Bridge to PIDC and both tracks of Mai Kolachi Road have now been reopened for traffic. However, the route from PIDC to the Sultanabad Traffic Section remains closed due to ongoing security restrictions.
The roads were initially sealed after protests erupted outside the US Consulate earlier this month. Demonstrators gathered in large numbers to protest against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike.
During the demonstration, some protesters attempted to storm the consulate compound, leading to clashes with security forces deployed to protect the diplomatic mission. Gunfire and violent confrontations resulted in the deaths of at least 11 protesters, while dozens of others were injured.
Following the unrest, authorities imposed strict security measures and blocked key roads around the consulate, causing severe traffic disruptions across Karachi, particularly in the Clifton and PIDC areas. Commuters and transport operators were forced to use alternative routes for more than a week.
Officials said the decision to reopen several roads was taken after reviewing the security situation in the area and determining that conditions had stabilized. However, traffic police have advised motorists to remain cautious and follow diversions where restrictions are still in place.
Law enforcement agencies have also registered cases under the Anti-Terrorism Act and other laws to investigate the violent protests and prevent similar incidents in the future.