KARACHI: The Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) continued its protest sit-ins over Parachinar crisis for the eight consecutive day on Tuesday in Karachi, causing severe traffic disruptions for residents of the metropolis. On Monday, Karachi police chief Javed Alam Odho said that roads in the metropolis were likely to be cleared as they had talked to the protesters. Addressing an event, the additional inspector general of police (AIG) said that they were making efforts to open the closed roads for public. “We are giving a clear message that we have received instructions to clear the roads by this evening,” he added. “Officers have been instructed to clear the roads before Maghrib prayer,” he said, warning that the police would deal with iron hands if anybody resisted the implementation of the state’s writ. “Those who refuse to vacate the roads will be removed according to the law,” warned the Karachi police chief. The AIG was of the view that he would provide relief to Karachiites as they suffered a lot during the past few days. Referring to their dialogue with the protesters, the Karachi top cop said that Ulema of the politico-religious party were agreed that roads should not be blocked. “Strict action would be taken if someone attempt to take law into their hands,” he warned. The top cop said paralysing the entire system of the city was not appropriate. Shortly after issuing deadline to clear the roads, a spokesperson of the Karachi police clarified that the AIG did not mean to remove the sit-ins by force. He wanted to say that the “sit-ins should be staged in such a way that there is no disruption in the flow of traffic”. “Linking the news [involving the Karachi police chief] with the removal of sit-ins is baseless and misunderstanding,” the spokesperson added. Earlier, the government officials assurances, meanwhile, have failed to alleviate the road closures plaguing Karachi residents. Citizens face restricted movement, with businesses and wedding ceremonies disrupted, and incidents of missed flights and trains continuing. Two days back, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had said that the provincial government would act if public inconvenience increased Yesterday, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab remarked that the purpose of these sit-ins was to paralyse daily life and disrupt businesses, which it is the state’s responsibility to prevent. The MWM is currently holding sit-ins at 13 locations. MA Jinnah Road and Numaish Chowrangi remained closed, while sections of Shahrah-e-Pakistan were blocked at Ayesha Manzil and Ancholi. On the National Highway, one track near Malir Flyover was shut down. Protests are also being held at Five Star Chowrangi, Powerhouse Chowrangi, Ahsanabad and outside KDA Flats in Surjani. Further sit-ins are being held on Abul Hasan Ispahani Road near Abbas Town, University Road near Safari Park, , Safoora Chowrangi, Kamran Chowrangi and Johar Mor in Gulistan-e-Jauhar.