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Roads Closed, Section 144 Imposed Ahead of BYC Protest in Karachi
Karachi roads closed as BYC protests arrests of leaders. Section 144 imposed, banning gatherings amid security concerns.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-24
Roads Closed, Section 144 Imposed Ahead of BYC Protest in Karachi

Several roads around the Karachi Press Club (KPC) were closed on Monday as the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) prepared to protest against the recent arrests of its leadership and a crackdown on its Quetta sit-in.

The BYC had called for a demonstration at KPC to condemn the “illegal detention” of its key leaders, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch. She was arrested on Saturday along with 16 other activists, a day after the group claimed that three protesters had died due to police action.

Road Closures & Alternative Routes

In response, the Karachi Traffic Police announced road closures around the protest site. According to their statement, both roads from Din Muhammad Wafai Road to MR Kiani Chowrangi towards Fawara Chowk have been blocked due to security concerns.

To manage the disruption, authorities provided alternative routes:

  • Traffic from MR Kiani Chowrangi directed towards Court Road
  • Routes from Thana Gali diverted to Sarwar Shaheed Road
  • Movement from Fawara Chowk redirected towards Zainab Market

The public was advised to contact the Traffic Helpline (1915) for further guidance.

Section 144 Enforced Across Karachi

Ahead of the protest, Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi issued a notification imposing Section 144 across the city, banning all public gatherings. The move followed a request by Karachi South Zone DIG Syed Asad Raza, who cited security threats and potential traffic disruptions as key reasons for the decision.

The notification prohibits protests, rallies, sit-ins, and gatherings of more than five people across Karachi from March 24 to 31, 2025. Authorities claim the measure is necessary to maintain law and order and ensure public safety.

Counter-Protest Outside KPC

Meanwhile, another protest was observed outside KPC, where participants carried placards linking BYC to India's intelligence agency, RAW, and groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

With tensions rising, the government remains firm on its stance against unauthorized protests, while activists continue to demand justice for those detained in the Quetta crackdown.
Tagged:

Balochistan

Section144

KarachiTraffic

BYCProtest
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