Remembering Karbala: Procession passes peacefully in capital

Chehlum procession will be taken out in Rawalpindi today

RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD: The chehlum procession of Imam Hussain and martyrs of Karbala ended peacefully in the capital on Friday amid tight security.

The main procession, which was provided security cover by 1,500 policemen, was taken out from the Sector G-6/2 imambargah and culminated at the same point after passing through its traditional route.

A comprehensive security plan had been put in place for the procession, with the deployment of a large number of Rangers, Quick Response Force, Eagle Squad, Bomb Disposal Squad, commandos and woman police personnel.

Policemen had also been deputed on the rooftops in many areas besides cordoning off the procession routes in certain localities.

Bomb disposal squad personnel cleared the routes before the procession was taken out, while sniffer dogs were used to check for weapons and explosives.

Besides containers at key points, walkthrough gates had also been installed at the entry points of the imambargah.

Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Polyclinic had also been put on high alert to cope with any possible emergencies.

Meanwhile, a comprehensive security plan has been put in place for Saturday’s chehlum processions in Rawalpindi. Besides army and Rangers personnel, around 4,000 police officials will be deployed on different routes to provide security to the mourners.

Around 3,500 policemen including elite police, special branch, ladies police and volunteers will secure the main procession, said a Rawalpindi police spokesperson.

A total of 12 processions will be taken out in the city, he said, adding that the processions would be given three-tier security.

All small roads leading to the main procession venue will be blocked, he said. In addition, the chehlum processions will also be monitored through aerial surveillance and bomb disposal squad staff will clear the procession routes and congregation sites.

“Parking along the main procession route and congregation sites will not be allowed and only one traffic route would be used to access the procession venue,” he said.

Traders and district aman committees, meanwhile, have assured the authorities of their cooperation.

The police and Rangers also carried out a flag march in the city ahead of the chehlum procession.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2014.