Weeks after a suicide attack near Karachi airport claimed the lives of two Chinese nationals, authorities have intensified security measures, resulting in road closures that have become a major inconvenience for commuters.
Police officials stated that checkpoints have been set up along routes leading from Star Gate and Pehlwan Goth to Jinnah Terminal to enhance security around the airport. Additionally, the road from Model Colony to Jinnah Terminal has been shut down, with traffic redirected to Sharea Faisal.
This decision follows the Pakistan Airports Authority’s (PAA) announcement to implement stricter entry protocols aimed at boosting airport security in the country’s largest city. The measures come after last month’s suicide bombing that killed three people, including two Chinese engineers, and injured at least 16 others.
According to sources, the new regulations require anyone visiting the airport to receive or see off passengers to present a copy of the traveler’s ticket at security checkpoints. Under the PAA’s new rules, each passenger will only be allowed to have up to four accompanying individuals, and entry without a ticket copy will be denied.
Additionally, individuals coming to pick up passengers must bring their national identity cards, which will be checked for verification at entry points.
The road closures have impacted not only the general flow of traffic on Model Colony road but also posed significant challenges for airline staff, passengers, and airport employees in accessing the terminal.
The day before, Sindh Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar announced the arrest of the mastermind behind the airport attack, along with two accomplices, including a woman. At a press conference, the minister revealed that Javed, also known as Sami, was identified as the key planner of the deadly blast. He was arrested along with a female accomplice, Gul Nisa, on the RCD Highway, which connects Karachi to Quetta.
