KARACHI(National Times)- Several major thoroughfares in Karachi were blocked or affected by traffic disruptions on Friday as Jamaat-i-Islami held protest sit-ins in the city as part of a nationwide demonstration against the petroleum levy.

A day earlier, the party announced that it would stage sit-ins at 510 locations across the country by blocking major roads.

In a traffic advisory issued, the Karachi traffic police warned that traffic flow could be affected due to the protests and sit-ins, with slow-moving traffic, temporary diversions and partial road closures expected on several major thoroughfares.

The affected areas included Mazar-i-Quaid, Numaish Chowrangi, Saddar, Shahrah-i-Faisal, Shahrah-i-Pakistan, UP Mor, Power House Chowrangi, Defence Housing Authority, Sea View, Shahrah-i-Orangi, Hub River Road, Super Highway and National Highway.

The traffic police advised citizens to avoid travelling to the affected areas unless necessary, and urged them to select alternative routes and allow extra travel time before setting out.

Meanwhile, according to the latest updates shared on JI Karachi’s official X account, party workers had begun staging sit-ins at the announced locations.

According to the updates, workers had blocked the road leading to Natha Khan from Shahrah-i-Faisal. The Super Highway and Hub River Road were also blocked. Moreover, the road leading from Shahrah-i-Faisal Nursery Bus Stop to Airport had also been blocked.

Other parts of country
Meanwhile, JI workers also gathered at the designated sit-in locations in other provincial capitals, including Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar and Islamabad.

According to reports, Srinagar Highway had been blocked as protesters gathered at Golra Mor to march towards Chungi 26.

In Sindh, protesters also staged sit-ins in Thatta, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Shikarpur and other districts.