KARACHI: The Karachi Traffic Police have announced extensive traffic restrictions and diversions in the city as the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024 begins today (Monday) at the Expo Centre.

The measures are aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow and heightened security during the event, which runs until November 22.  From 7am-7pm daily, several roads around the National Stadium and Expo Centre will be closed to regular traffic: National Stadium Flyover: The flyover will be completely closed for all traffic. Stadium Road: The route from Agha Khan University Hospital to Hassan Square (left side) and from Stadium Signal to Hassan Square will remain closed. Sharea Faisal to Karsaz Road: Entry of heavy and commercial vehicles is strictly prohibited. Drigh Road: Heavy and commercial vehicles must use Sharea Faisal via Drigh Road for access. Millennium Mall to Stadium Road: Heavy and commercial vehicles are temporarily restricted from entering Stadium Road from Millennium Mall. NIPA to Hassan Square: Heavy and commercial traffic will not be allowed on this route. Jail Chowrangi to Hassan Square: Heavy and commercial vehicles are prohibited on this route.

Alternate routes for heavy traffic: Commercial vehicles are advised to use Shaheed-e-Millat Road or Teen Hatti Road. Traffic diversions: Vehicles will be diverted towards PPP Chowrangi and Shaheed-e-Millat Road. Liaquatabad No 10 to Hassan Square: Traffic will not be allowed, except heavy and commercial vehicles heading towards Teen Hatti. Parking advisory: Vehicles and motorcycles should not be parked on service or main roads. The public is urged to avoid parking on service or main roads around the event area. For assistance, citizens can contact the Traffic Police Helpline at 1915, or stay updated via WhatsApp at 03059266907, Facebook, or FM Radio 88.6. In addition to traffic diversions, extra police personnel, including Special Security Unit (SSU) commandos, have been deployed near Karachi airport and surrounding areas. Sindh police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon is overseeing the arrangements, with discussions underway to potentially declare these areas as a “Red Zone”.