The 12th edition of the four-day International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024 has kicked off at the Karachi Expo Centre. Organized by the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO), the event is scheduled from November 19 to 22. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif inaugurated the exhibition, highlighting Pakistan’s advancements in defence technology and its efforts to foster global partnerships.
Compared to previous editions, IDEAS 2024 includes participation from 17 new countries, such as Iran, Italy, and the United Kingdom. A special hall has been dedicated to start-ups showcasing innovative defence solutions. Among the main attractions are the Pakistan-made Haider tank and Shahpar-3 drone, reflecting the country’s growing self-reliance in military technology.
The exhibition boasts 224 local and 333 international companies displaying their defence products, with participation from over 55 countries. The expansive venue covers six halls and three additional marquees at the Karachi Expo Centre. A Pakistan Defence Production Potential Seminar is also on the agenda, scheduled at a local hotel, to discuss growth opportunities in the defence sector. Additionally, Karachi residents can anticipate a professional Karachi Show by the armed forces on November 21.
However, the event has prompted traffic changes around Karachi, with Sir Shah Sulaiman Road, next to the Expo Centre, closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily during the exhibition, as per DIG Traffic Ahmed Nawaz Cheema.
IDEAS 2024 Traffic Plan: Alternative Routes in Karachi
As IDEAS 2024 begins at the Karachi Expo Centre, the city’s Traffic Police have announced alternate routes for vehicles during the exhibition days, which run until November 22. Key road closures and diversions will impact areas around the National Stadium and Expo Centre from 7 AM to 7 PM each day.
Key Traffic Restrictions in Karachi:
- National Stadium Flyover: Closed to all traffic.
- Stadium Road: Both the route from Agha Khan University Hospital to Hassan Square (left side) and the stretch from Stadium Signal to Hassan Square are closed.
- Sharea Faisal to Karsaz Road: No access for heavy and commercial vehicles.
- Drigh Road: Heavy and commercial traffic must reroute through Sharea Faisal.
- Millennium Mall to Stadium Road: Heavy and commercial vehicles are restricted from entering Stadium Road.
- NIPA to Hassan Square: Closed to heavy and commercial traffic.
- Jail Chowrangi to Hassan Square: No entry for heavy vehicles.
- Alternate Routes for Heavy Traffic: Heavy vehicles should use Shaheed-e-Millat Road or Teen Hatti Road.
Drivers will face diversions toward PPP Chowrangi and Shaheed-e-Millat Road, while heavy vehicles from Liaquatabad No. 10 are only permitted to head towards Teen Hatti.
A special advisory has been issued urging the public to avoid parking on main or service roads around the Karachi Expo Centre. For assistance or real-time updates, citizens can contact the Traffic Police helpline at 1915, reach out on WhatsApp at 03059266907, or stay tuned to Facebook and FM Radio 88.6.
To ensure smooth operations and security, additional police personnel, including SSU commandos, have been stationed near Karachi’s airport and the surrounding areas. Sindh police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon is overseeing the security arrangements, with discussions underway to possibly designate the venue area as a “Red Zone.”
The event is expected to attract a large number of international delegates, making these security measures essential for the exhibition’s success in Karachi.
