The Karachi Traffic Police have issued a special advisory for motorists ahead of the Independence Day celebrations and the “Marka-e-Haq” mega event scheduled at the National Bank Stadium this evening, warning of major traffic congestion in surrounding areas.
According to the advisory, the event will begin at 6:00 pm, but heavy traffic is expected to build up from as early as 5:00 pm on all roads leading to the venue. Authorities have cautioned that large-scale bottlenecks may persist until 2:00 am, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel between the Civic Centre and the National Stadium during this period.
Provincial Ministers Saeed Ghani and Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, along with Arts Council Karachi President Ahmed Shah, recently reviewed final preparations for the concert, which is expected to draw massive crowds.
Last month, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced that this year’s celebrations would be held under the banner of “Marka-e-Haq” — a tribute to Pakistan’s resilience, progress, and national pride following the April–May military confrontation with India. The term refers to the period from the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to the conclusion of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos on May 10, during which Pakistan downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and destroyed dozens of drones. The conflict ended after 87 hours with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.
Traffic and Parking Arrangements
The Karachi Traffic Police have put in place a detailed traffic management plan to control the expected rush. Special parking arrangements have been made for vehicles carrying official parking stickers, which will be allowed entry into the stadium through Gate No. 1 and Gate No. 11.
Parking facilities have been designated at the Expo Centre and China Ground. Visitors from District Central can park at the Expo Centre via Gate No. 1 and use a shuttle bus service to reach the stadium. Those coming from District South, District East, and Malir can park at China Ground, accessible through Karsaz, New Town, and Rashid Minhas Road.
Alternate Routes and Diversions
For commuters heading towards Sharea Faisal via Liaquatabad and Hassan Square flyover, the traffic police recommend taking University Road and Shaheed-e-Millat Road. Travelers going towards Liaquatabad from Karsaz should use Rashid Minhas Road and NIPA, while those heading to Sharea Faisal from the Expo Centre turn are advised to opt for Shaheed-e-Millat Road.
Residents of Districts East, Malir, South, and West can also use the Lyari Expressway from Mirza Adam Khan Chowk, Mauripur to Sohrab Goth as an alternative.
Buses, minibuses, and other commercial vehicles will be diverted from Karsaz, Drigh Road, Millennium Mall, Expo Centre, and New Town. Heavy traffic will not be permitted from Sohrab Goth towards NIPA, Liaquatabad No. 10 to Hassan Square, and PP Chowrangi towards University Road.
With tens of thousands expected to attend the Marka-e-Haq celebrations, authorities have appealed for public cooperation to ensure smooth traffic flow and safe festivities.
