KARACHI, May 25: Traffic police on Tuesday clarified news items about traffic jams caused by the closure of roads for the prime minister’s movement in the city. In a communication to Dawn, DIG for Traffic Yameen Khan said: “This is to invite your attention towards a news item published in your paper on May 22 followed by a write-up on May 23 regarding closure of roads during the recent visit of prime minister to Karachi.”

He said: “The prime minister landed at PNS Mehran on Saturday at 1310 hours and moved to Mohammad Ali Housing Society at 1312 hours, reaching there at 1313 hours. Traffic stopped for three minutes. The prime minister left Mohammad Ali Housing Society at 1318 hours and reached Hotel Shereton at 1330 hours, causing an area-to-area stoppage time of 18 minutes. He proceeded from Hotel Sheraton at 1505 hours and reached Governor’s House at 1511 hours for which traffic was stopped for six minutes.”

Mr Khan said: “Needless to say, government agencies follow a standard operating procedure for the visit of VVIPs.”