Karachi Struggles with Traffic Chaos and Protests as New Year Begins Amid Security Concerns

Islamabad:The year 2025 began with celebrations around the globe, including fireworks in New Zealand to welcome the new year. As is customary, people worldwide celebrated and tried to make the first day memorable. However, in Pakistan’s economic hub, Karachi, the arrival of the new year was marred by a series of protests, security actions, and traffic chaos, making it a day that residents of the city will not easily forget.

Before the new year, Section 144 was imposed in Karachi to control public gatherings. The action was taken following protests by two religious groups at over a dozen locations in the city, triggered by the Parachinar incident. Despite efforts by the administration to clear the protests, they persisted, leading to significant disruptions for Karachi’s residents on the first day of the year.

In the Keamari district, six individuals were arrested for firing in the air to celebrate the new year. Similarly, in the West district, 12 people involved in aerial firing were also detained. In Central Karachi’s New Karachi Industrial Area, a gun battle between police and armed robbers resulted in the capture of one robber, who was wounded. Meanwhile, in Korangi, two individuals were arrested for their involvement in aerial firing.

The police, throughout Karachi, apprehended over 30 people involved in aerial firing, seizing their weapons. Arrests were made in various areas, including Surjani Town, Manghopir, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Pakistan Bazar, Mominabad, Docks, Saeedabad, Ittehad Town, Jackson, Zaman Town, Ajmir Nagri, Liaquatabad, Supermarket, Joharabad, and Sir Syed. The police recovered firearms used in the incidents and registered cases against the suspects.

The celebratory gunfire led to injuries, with six individuals being admitted to the Civil Hospital, nine to Jinnah Hospital, and 11 to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. According to the police, a total of 29 people, including two women, were transferred to these three hospitals due to injuries caused by the firing.

Protests were also a significant part of Karachi’s first day of the new year. The Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) staged demonstrations at several key locations, including Abu al-Hasan Isfahani Road, Abbas Town, Paradise Bakery, Kamran Chowrangi, Numaish Chowrangi, Water Pump, and the Metro Cash & Carry on University Road. Meanwhile, the Jamaat-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat held protests at Gulbai, Pracha Chowk, and the Orangi Town Road near Banaras. These protests led to significant disruptions, including the postponement of the M.Phil. exam at the Federal Urdu University, which will be rescheduled.

The combination of protests, police action, and incidents of violence left Karachi’s residents grappling with the challenges of a chaotic start to 2025. The situation underlined the ongoing issues of public security and political unrest that continue to affect the country’s largest city.