Traffic disruption during I-Day celebrations at National Stadium strands citizens for hours

Express Tribune

2 days ago

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Karachi residents were left stranded on the city's roads during the Independence Day celebrations Wednesday due to poor traffic management by the local police.
The central Independence Day event, held at the National Stadium, saw a large turnout. However, the event was overshadowed by traffic gridlock as major roads were closed in the evening, leaving citizens struggling to reach their destinations.
The closure of routes such as Sir Shah Sulaiman Road and University Road led to long queues of vehicles, while areas like Ghareebabad, Jail Chowrangi, and Natha Khan Bridge saw significant congestion.
By the evening, the situation worsened as the track leading from Shahrah-e-Faisal to Karachi's airport was also shut, further exacerbating the traffic jam. People attempting to travel to the airport were especially affected, with some waiting for hours in their vehicles.
Closed*
- Time: 22:15 PM
- Location: Main Shahrah-e-Faisal Carsaz left turn towards Habib Ibrahim Rahmatullah Road
- Reason: Road closed by local police for security reasons
- Alternate route: Traffic diverted from
— Karachi Traffic Police (@Khitrafficpol) August 13, 2025
The mismanagement of traffic also affected areas such as Dalmia Road and Guru Mandir, where residents were forced to endure long delays. Despite announcements of alternative routes, citizens faced significant inconvenience, with many unable to reach their destinations or attend the celebrations.
While the event itself was a success, the poor traffic planning and execution have sparked widespread criticism of the authorities, who failed to anticipate the movement of large crowds. Many citizens are now calling for better coordination to avoid such disruptions in the future.
Meanwhile, Karachi's National Stadium was alive with music and celebration as the Sindh government, in collaboration with the Arts Council of Pakistan, hosted a grand musical concert to mark the celebrations of Marka-e-Haq and Independence Day.
The concert kicked off with the national anthem, followed by performances from renowned Pakistani singers, including Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Atif Aslam, and Sajjad Ali. Regional artists also captivated the audience with their exceptional performances.
Held at the 27,000-seat stadium, the event saw enthusiastic participation from citizens, who expressed their appreciation by waving their mobile torches. Thousands gathered despite the stadium reaching full capacity, and many were seen attempting to enter through the gates, where long queues formed.
Strict security measures were put in place for the event, ensuring a safe environment for all attendees. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, provincial ministers, and other distinguished personalities attended the concert. The event also featured the cutting of an Independence Day cake to mark the occasion.
The night concluded with a magnificent fireworks display, adding a spectacular touch to the celebrations. Earlier in the afternoon, concertgoers began arriving, with crowds forming at the stadium's entrances, where they waited in long queues to gain access.