A traffic plan has been issued for the Chup Tazia procession in Karachi on September 2, 2025 (8 Rabi al-Awwal), as several key routes will be closed for general traffic.
The spokesperson of Deputy Inspector General Police (DIGP) in a statement announced that several routes are designated for the procession which is scheduled to commence from Nishtar Park at 06:30 AM and ends at Hussainiya Iranian Noor Bagh.
The procession will end after the majlis held at Hussainiya Iranian Imambargah; however, the spokesperson in an official statement announced the alternative routes for general traffic.
Alternative routes
District Central:
According to the traffic police, the following routes have been designated for commuters during the procession:
Commuters coming from Nazimabad can reach their destination by taking the route from Lasbela Chowk towards Nishtar Road via Garden.
Those coming from Liaquatabad will be directed left from Teen Hatti to Lasbela Chowk, and then towards Central Jail (Martin Road).
Travelers from Hassan Square heading to PP Chowrangi can take Kashmir Road to Society Light Signal (Shahrah-e-Quaideen), or proceed via the Jail Flyover to Teen Hatti, and then to Nishtar Road (Lasbela Chowk).
District East:
Commuters traveling from Shahrah-e-Faisal to Shahrah-e-Quaideen (Noorani Kabab) can reach their destination by taking a right turn from Society Light Signal onto Kashmir Road.
Those coming from Central Jail Gate (Jamshed Road) towards Guru Mandir and MA Jinnah Road can proceed via Guru Mandir to Bihar Colony, then onto Darya Khan Road and Soldier Bazaar.
District South:
Commuters traveling from Garden Zoo to MA Jinnah Road can reach their destination by taking the following route:
From Uncle Saria Hospital, turn right towards Gul Plaza or left towards Coast Guard and Holy Family Hospital, and continue onwards to MA Jinnah Road.
Heavy Traffic:
According to the traffic police, all heavy and commercial vehicles traveling from Super Highway (Gulberg) towards MA Jinnah Road will be diverted from Liaquatabad No. 10 to Nazimabad Chowrangi No. 2. From there, they can proceed via Habib Bank Flyover, State Avenue Road, Sher Shah, and onward to Maripur. The same route will be used for the return journey.
Similarly, all heavy and commercial traffic coming from the National Highway towards the city will be allowed entry via Shahrah-e-Faisal or alternatively through Rashid Minhas Road, Stadium Road, Sir Shah Suleman Road, Hassan Square, Liaquatabad No. 10, Nazimabad Chowrangi No. 2, Habib Bank Flyover, State Avenue Road, Sher Shah, and finally to Maripur, using the same route for their return as well.
Furthermore, the traffic police have stated that no type of vehicle, whether small or large, will be allowed to proceed on the procession route beyond Guru Mandir Chowk. All such traffic will be diverted towards Bahadur Yar Jang Road and Soldier Bazaar.
Entry will be prohibited on MA Jinnah Road:
All types of vehicles will be prohibited on MA Jinnah Road except those vehicles that have an entry pass to join the procession. Vehicles with stickers to join the procession will be able to enter through the Shahrah-e-Qaideen Society light signal.
According to the spokesperson of the DIG Traffic Police, no vehicle will be allowed to park on the route of the procession.
About Chup Tazia:
Chup Tazia, meaning “silent tazia,” is a solemn religious procession observed primarily on the 8th of Rabi al-Awwal, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari.
The procession is typically considered the final event of the mourning period that begins during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
The tradition of Chup Tazia originated in Lucknow, India, during the Nawabi era, and was established by Nawab Ahmed Ali Khan Shaukat Yar Jung, a descendant of Bahu Begum.
It remains one of the most significant components of Azadari (mourning practices) in Lucknow and is currently one of the nine officially permitted processions in the city.
Historically, this procession was held on Chehlum (the 20th of Safar), but during the 19th century, it was rescheduled to the 18th day after Chehlum, corresponding to the 8th of Rabi al-Awwal.
The Chup Tazia procession begins early in the morning and is known for its complete silence, reflecting deep mourning and respect.
