Traffic Advisory Issued for Independence Day Event in Karachi

The Karachi Traffic Police have released guidelines for drivers in anticipation of Independence Day celebrations and the “Marka-e-Haq” event at the National Bank Stadium this evening.

The advisory indicates that the event is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m., with significant traffic delays anticipated from 5:00 p.m. onwards on all routes converging on the stadium.

Authorities have cautioned that substantial traffic congestion could last until 2:00 a.m. Residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel between the Civic Centre and National Stadium during these hours.

Last month, it was announced that this year’s national celebrations would be themed around Marka-e-Haq, commemorating the nation’s tenacity, advancements, and sense of national pride following the military conflict with India.

The term Marka-e-Haq references the timeline from the April 22 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to the culmination of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos on May 10.

In May 2025, Pakistan and India were engaged in armed conflict, initiated by an April assault on visitors in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which New Delhi attributed to Islamabad, prior to reaching a truce.

As a response to Indian acts of aggression, the armed forces of Pakistan initiated a large-scale retaliatory military operation, designated “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” targeting various Indian military sites across several regions.

Pakistan successfully downed six Indian fighter aircraft, including three Rafales, along with numerous drones. After a period of approximately 87 hours, the conflict between the two nations concluded on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United States.

The ceasefire was initially declared on social media by the U.S. President after Washington engaged in discussions with both nations. Pakistan has formally nominated the U.S. President for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, acknowledging his pivotal role in de-escalating tensions between the two countries.