KARACHI, Jan 29: A chaotic situation was witnessed on most of the vital thoroughfares of the city on Monday owing to the closure of M. A. Jinnah Road, besides several other approach roads, to facilitate Muharram processions and religious rituals.

The barriers erected for security reasons elsewhere in the metropolis added to the traffic mess. The entire public transport network was affected by the situation, created mainly by failure of the traffic police in managing the traffic flow according to the alternative route plan publicised through the press.

In the absence of police to guide them, the drivers of public and private transport vehicles were confused upon reaching an intersection where the road to their destination appeared blocked by traffic police with huge barriers, including containers, stationary trucks and wagons and iron grills placed horizontally. Most of them, turning right or left in a bid to find a way, had to turn back.

Citizens, including the mourners intending to join in a congregation or procession, faced immense hardship in reaching their destination owing to the blockade and denial of passage to their vehicles.

Passengers disembarking from buses, minibuses and coasters suspending their journey halfway was a common scene and people in big numbers looking for alternative means were seen gathered at Teen Hatti, Lasbela, Jail Chowrangi, Empress Market, Burnes Road, Kharadar, etc., between noon and dusk.

A police official, when asked about the mess, remarked: “It is a serious issue we are always faced with on such occasions.” The only solution he could suggest was that people should not opt for driving through M. A. Jinnah Road on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. He said drivers should realise the sensitivity of the situation and cooperate with the traffic police.

Taking advantage of the situation, taxi and rickshaw operators charged exorbitant fares from passengers.