Chehlum: Govt tightens security for mourning processions

KARACHI: Nearly 152 video surveillance cameras will monitor the chehlum procession of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) on Tuesday. Through the cameras, which have been installed at different places, including Nishtar Park, the procession will be continuously monitored through the city district government’s command and control room.

Karachi DCO Muhammed Hussain Syed visited Nishtar Park on Monday and said that the city government and town administrations are following strict security arrangements for the chehlum. The DCO reviewed the arrangements and directed all departments and officials to work as they had done on ashura. Municipal Services EDO Masood Alam was appointed as the focal person for chehlum arrangements.

Meanwhile, Sindh Health Minister Dr Sagheer Ahmed has directed medical superintendents at all government hospitals to ensure that a large number of doctors and staff members are on duty on Tuesday. The minister urged officials to declare emergency in their respective facilities so that participants of the procession and the public should face no problems. “All emergency and accident departments should be well prepared in case of any emergencies and all surgeons must be on duty,” said the minister.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2011.