This is a detailed traffic management plan, division of alternative routes, and security measures for Ashura 2026 in Karachi.
Karachi Traffic Police has released an in-depth list of traffic management measures for the city for the period of Ashura from 9th to 10th Muharram 1448 AH. The main event on all three days will begin at Nishtar Park and finish at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah on the traditional Corridor, leading to several road closures and traffic diversions throughout the city.
Public Holidays Announced
The federal government has announced public holidays on 9th and 10th Muharram, June 25 and 26, Thursday and Friday. The public holidays were approved by the Cabinet Division, which issued a statement by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on June 22. The Sindh government has also declared public holidays on those dates, which will be celebrated by the 5-day and 6-day working week offices of the country.
Key Road Closure: M.A. Jinnah Road
The biggest closure is M.A. Jinnah Road, from Guru Mandir to Tower, on all three days during procession time. Limited enforcement of traffic regulations, including the only authorized vehicles, will be allowed at the main procession routes.
Ashura’s Alternative Routes for Commuters
| Commuter Origin | Alternative Route |
|---|---|
| Nazimabad | Via Lasbela Chowk through the Garden area to Nishtar Road |
| Liaquatabad | Turn left towards Teen Hatti and continue through Martin Road |
| Hasan Square to Peoples Chowrangi | Kashmir Road, Jail Flyover, Teen Hatti, Nishtar Road |
| Shahrah-e-Faisal towards Numaish | Diverted to Kashmir Road from the Society Light Signal |
| Central Jail Gate to Guru Mandir | Guru Mandir-Bahadur Yar Jung Road via Soldier Bazar |
The Liaquatabad-Guru Mandir Road will be shut for vehicular traffic from 8:30 am to 9:30 am on 9th Muharram. It has been recommended that commuters bypass road closures and diversions.
Timing Restrictions
| Road/Area | Restriction Timing |
|---|---|
| M.A. Jinnah Road (Guru Mandir to Tower) | Throughout procession duration on 8th, 9th, 10th Muharram |
| Liaquatabad-Guru Mandir Road | 8:30 am to 9:30 am on 9th Muharram |
| Diversions around Nazimabad, Guru Mandir, Soldier Bazar | During the procession periods |
Permit System for Vehicles
Anyone wishing to participate in the main processions in a designated vehicle must have either a permit sticker or a pass. The last date of application was 22nd June 2026 till 1:00 pm at DIG Traffic Karachi Office, Garden Headquarters.
Required documents:
- Copy of vehicle registration book
- Valid CNIC of the vehicle owner
- Photos: Two recent passport-size photos of the driver
- Valid CNIC of the driver
Permit issuance criteria:
Passes will be given only to registered organisations, media organisations, registered ambulances, or other authorised organisations.
- Permits will not be issued to unregistered individuals, vehicles, or drivers.
- A maximum of three persons are allowed to travel under a single permit.
Note: Security staff will cancel the pass immediately if they observe any of the following: Disobey a security check; submit false data or information; or abuse a security pass.
Security and Emergency Arrangements
The police in Karachi have completed the thorough security measures for Muharram (Ashura 2026) processions, deploying a large number of police personnel, reserves, bomb disposal squads, and Special Branch officials across the routes of the procession. Special security measures have been put in place, such as blockades, rooftop surveillance, walk-through gates, and emergency medical assistance facilities. The route is equipped with CCTV cameras, and surveillance is provided in control rooms.
Commissioner Karachi Syed Hasan Naqvi, with Additional Inspector General Police Karachi Azad Khan, held a thorough inspection of the law, order, security, cleanliness, and civic service arrangement along the main procession route. Authorities briefed those concerned on security and civic facility arrangements in processions and Majalis.
A control room is created at the Commissioner Karachi office for public assistance. Citizens can contact the control room at 021-99205634 and 021-99203443 for any guidance or assistance. Rescue 1299 is also notified to coordinate with the concerned institutions and organizers.
Conclusion
For citizens to avoid unnecessary journeys during the time of processions, use alternative routes before entering the zones of divestment and closure of the roadways. Parking will be available only at specific sites, and Officers will enforce the parking and traffic rules. Security and traffic monitoring have been improved at all routes’ entry/exit areas to ensure public safety and effective traffic management. Karachi Traffic Police have urged the public to cooperate with police officials, be patient, and follow traffic rules during the Ashura Procession.
