The traffic moving to and from the University, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Gulistan-e-Jauhar remained smooth in the morning but it started becoming problematic as the arrival time of the "chief guest" and VIPs drew near.
There was a time when all vehicular traffic was suspended on all roads approaching the Expo Centre either from Karsaz Road, Aga Khan University Hospital, jail Chowrangi and Jail Road.
People living in and around the Expo Centre complained that their movements were restricted and they were neither allowed to go out or come in and were left with no option but to while away a few hours outside their homes.
The opening of the Expo-2005 was scheduled at 8:30 p.m. but the arrival of guests began at 4 p.m. Minister of state and chairman EPB, minister of commerce and the chief guest were required to speak at 7:15 p.m. 7:25 p.m. and 7:35 p.m. respectively.
The speeches were followed by plaque presentation to lead sponsors, choreographed programme with fireworks, inauguration of the exhibition by the chief guest; dinner and a musical programme, which were enough to put the entire vehicular traffic on adjoining roads in chaos.
The musical programme, which lasted till late night, kept traffic under pressure despite a traffic plan given by the city police.
Earlier, the city police were directed on security duty on the occasion of the mega event. In this connection, the city police have also announced two alternate traffic route arrangements during the exhibition. But this was not the case, as the vehicular traffic faced serious traffic congestion at various roads that supposed to be remained cleared for traffic flow.
At Liaquatabad to Guru Mandir road there was a serious traffic jam where vehicles remained idle for hours. On the other hand, traffic at University Road remained jam at many places.
The first alternative route was University Road, Safoora Goth, Malir Cantonment Gate No.2 (entry), Gate No.6 (exit), Jinnah Avenue, Jinnah Terminal. This route will allow small vehicles from February 2 to 5 from 3pm to 7pm.
Strict instructions with regard to parking have been issued, whereas parking of vehicles along the roads from Hassan Square to Stadium crossing (Sir Shah Mohammad Suleiman Road, from Hassan Square to Baitul-Mukarram Mosque (University Road) has been disallowed.
The traffic jam was also witnessed at Shahrae-Faisal, Shahrah-e-Quaideen and all parts of Saddar for hours.