Karachi continued to experience significant traffic disruptions on Monday, with two main thoroughfares remaining closed for a second consecutive day. The closures follow widespread protests sparked by recent attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. Demonstrations, particularly one outside the US consulate on Sunday, led to severe traffic snarls across the city.

Routes leading to the American Consulate, including those in the PIDC, Boat Basin, and Tower areas, are still blocked. Containers have been deployed to obstruct traffic on the PIDC Chowk to MT Khan Road bridge, and additional barriers are in place on MT Khan Road in Sultanabad. Molvi Tamizuddin Road is closed from Mere Weather Tower, and the path from Boat Basin to Mai Kolachi Bypass is also impassable due to containers.

Security forces, including police and Rangers, are maintaining a presence outside the American Consulate with rotating shifts. Schools situated in the affected areas have declared holidays due to the ongoing road closures.

While the PIDC Chowk to Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Road, which provides access to the Chief Minister’s House, was initially blocked, it was reopened later in the afternoon. Similarly, Sharea Faisal near the FTC flyover towards Metropole experienced temporary closures but was later reopened to traffic.

Authorities had initially blocked all roads leading to the consulate. On Sunday, a traffic police post situated under the Sultanabad bridge was reportedly set ablaze. Law enforcement used tear gas near the Central Police Office on II Chundrigar Road to disperse a rally, and another protest occurred at the Native Jetty Bridge near the Customs House.

According to police reports, at least 34 individuals sustained injuries during the violent protests, primarily from gunshot wounds. The Sindh government has announced the formation of a high-level joint investigation team (JIT) to thoroughly investigate the incident. The Sindh Chief Minister expressed deep regret over the loss of life and has directed an impartial inquiry into the Karachi events. He has also engaged with religious leaders, urging them to help calm public emotions and appeal for peace and cooperation with the government to maintain law and order.