Pakistan is observing the Chehlum of the martyrs of Karbala, including Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), with processions and gatherings taking place in major cities across the country. As part of the security measures, mobile phone services have been suspended in several areas, and strict security protocols have been enforced nationwide.
In Karachi, the central procession started at Nishtar Park and is following its traditional route, which has been secured with containers, and markets along the path have been closed. The procession will end at Hussainiya Iraniyan Imambargah. Over 5,000 police officers have been deployed, and all markets on the procession route have been sealed.
The Karachi traffic police issued a detailed route plan, highlighting significant road closures, including MA Jinnah Road from Gurumandir to Tower. Commuters from Nazimabad can reach their destinations via Lasbela Chowk through Nishtar Road, while those from Liaquatabad can access Lasbela Chowk and Central Jail via Teen Hatti. Additionally, a ban on pillion riding and the use of helicams has been enforced, and mobile phone signals have been blocked along the procession routes, with partial disruptions in other cities.
In Lahore, the main procession began at Haveli Alif Shah and is proceeding along its traditional route to Karbala Gamay Shah. Over 5,000 police officers are securing the processions, with barriers placed on roads leading to the route. Lahore will witness 44 majalis and 5 processions, with over 7,000 police officers ensuring security. Procession routes have been sealed with containers. Across Punjab, a total of 680 majalis and 382 processions will be held, with more than 30,000 police officers on duty.
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In Rawalpindi, the main procession started at Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Teli Mohalla, passing through key locations such as Committee Chowk, Bohar Bazar Chowk, and Fawara Chowk, before concluding at the old Imambargah late at night. Three processions will merge for Zuhrain prayers at Fawara Chowk, followed by a majlis. Strict security measures are in place, with the procession closely monitored as it integrates with smaller processions.
Peshawar is holding three mourning processions, including Alam and Zuljinnah processions, starting from Imambargah Alamdar Koocha Risaldar and Akhundabad. Over 4,000 police officers are deployed to ensure the city’s security, with strict monitoring through CCTV and restrictions on unauthorized access to buildings near the procession routes.
In Multan, nine processions and 29 majalis are taking place across the city, with over 2,000 police officers ensuring the safety of participants. CCTV cameras have been installed along procession routes, and a technical survey has been conducted to prevent security lapses.
In Jhang, 28 processions are being held throughout the district, with the main procession starting from Dera Nawabwala. Over 1,500 police officers are on duty, and a flag march by the Pakistan Army and Rangers has been conducted to reinforce security.
In Hafizabad, the main Chehlum procession is being held in the main bazaar, accompanied by two majalis scheduled for the day. Strict security measures, including CCTV camera installation along procession routes, have been implemented to ensure participants’ safety. Officers from rescue, health, civil defense, municipal committee, police, and other departments are on duty.
In Sindh, significant security measures have been taken, with mobile phone services suspended in six cities, including Karachi, Khairpur, Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, and Shikarpur. This action, ordered by the Ministry of Interior, aims to maintain law and order during the processions.
Throughout Pakistan, a high alert has been declared, with thousands of police officers and security personnel deployed to protect the Chehlum processions and gatherings, reflecting the solemn and significant nature of the observance.
