Daily Times

KARACHI: Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) was observed peacefully amid tight security measures in the metropolis on Monday.

Over 5000 law enforcers were deployed for the security of the participants, with snipers posted on the rooftops of several buildings along the route of the procession.

Pillion riding was already banned in the city to avoid any potential terrorist attack while mobile service remained suspended from early afternoon as part of strict security arrangements.

All arrangements were already completed for security of the procession as all passages around the route of the procession were closed with containers. Shops and commercial areas were sealed on the route of procession. Monitoring with closed-circuit cameras were conducted for keeping vigilance on any suspicious activities.

A total of 17,950 police personnel and officials were deployed for security duties in entire city including 5727 cops for the security duties to the central procession of Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) as what the security duties as what the intelligence agencies have warned of possible terrorist attacks ahead of the Chehlum.

About 100 large and small mourning processions were taken out in the city, whereas 460 Majalis were held in different parts of the metropolis.

Despite the warnings of security threats issued during last few days, the procession passed through its traditional route and concluded at the Hussainian Iranian Imam Bargah in Kharadar.

Earlier, the procession was taken out after the Majlis was held at Nishter Park, where scholars shed light on the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions.

The procession passed through its traditional route of Nishter Park, Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto Road, Mehfil-e-Shah-e-Khurasan, M. A. Jinnah Road, Mansfield Street, Preedy Street, then procession again en-route to M. A. Jinnah Road, Bolton Market, Bombay Bazar, Kharadar and Nawab Mohabbat Khanjee Road and culminated at Hussainian Iranian Imam Bargah in Kharadar.

After the central Majlis, the main procession moved out from Nishter Park. The mourners offered prayers on M. A. Jinnah Road. After the prayers, a protest demonstration was also held on M. A. Jinnah Road against militant organizations.

Medical camps and Sabils were set up along the route of the procession by various organizations and political parties, Jafaria Alliance, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Besides law enforcers, more than 4,000 volunteers from various organizations performed security duty for the procession.