DAWN quoted the police sources as saying that in view of a possible terrorist attempt, a security high alert has been issued for the city's 'Red Zone', particularly where foreign consulates and residences of their staff are located in Clifton.
The blockade of residential areas and routes caused inconvenience to the area's residents and commuters. Police were also searching vehicles and stopping people in the area for checks.
Deputy Inspector General South Javed Akbar Riaz said: “Some routes [have been] blocked as part of some extra security measures. Nothing to worry. Meanwhile, Commissioner Karachi Iftikhar Ali Shallwani said, “It’s a routine alert against any imminent threat by LEAs.”
However some of the residents, while talking to the newspaper, said that for the last two months, they have been witnessing more security specifically in Clifton's Block-4 near Abdullah Shah Ghazi's mausoleum where some consulates including that of China, up-scale restaurants frequented by foreigners and a number of art galleries are located.
But on Thursday, they said, the situation appeared to be quite serious as a major part of Clifton Block-4 was sealed by erecting temporary barriers that prevented the movement of vehicles.