Muharram processions culminate peacefully

More than 6,000 police personnel deployed for security along procession route

KARACHI: Mourning processions of Muharram 8 to pay homage to the martyrs of Karbala culminated peacefully in Karachi on Friday under a virtual curfew, as strict security measures, which included a ban on pillion riding as well as the unexpected suspension of mobile phone and internet services, were taken by authorities to avoid any untoward incidents.

A large number of people, including women and children, participated in the main procession in Karachi, which started from Nishtar Park and culminated at Imambargah Husanian Iranian in Kharadar.

More than 6,000 police personnel were deployed for security of the procession. PHOTO: INP

The procession began after Majlis-i-Aza and passed through Numaish Chowrangi, MA Jinnah Road where the marchers offered Namaz-e-Zuhrain at Ali Raza Imambargah. From there, it passed through its traditional route - Tibet Centre, Eidgah and Boulton Market - and eventually reached Kharadar. All the roads and streets towards the route of the procession were sealed with containers and barricades.



More than 6,000 police personnel were deployed for security of the procession. Three protective circles were formed by scouts, police and Rangers which surrounded the procession, while sharpshooters were also deployed on over 150 rooftops along the route. Staying ahead of the procession, bomb disposal teams also cleared the area. Surveillance was also conducted through closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

Scouts organisations, rescue services and the city administration have made necessary arrangements to facilitate the participants of the processions which will continue till tomorrow (Muharram 10). The home department has, under Section 144, imposed a ban on pillion riding in the city for three days from Muharram 8 to Muharram 10, while the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, following the directions of the federal government, has also been suspending mobile phone and internet services in the city from 9am to 9pm. All the markets and shops in Saddar along the procession route have been closed by placing containers from Thursday night. They will be opened on Monday.

All the markets and shops in Saddar along the procession route have been closed. PHOTO: ONLINE

In case of any mishaps, the provincial health department and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation have declared an emergency at all public sector hospitals of Karachi and other parts of the province and have ordered the availability of doctors, paramedics and medicines.



Meanwhile, the traffic police have also issued alternative routes plan for commuters, following the blockage of MA Jinnah Road and its surrounding roads due to the Muharram processions.

Other processions

Apart from the main procession at Numaish, several other traditional processions were held in the city.

Processions on a smaller scale were held in Ancholi in Federal B area, Pehlwan Goth in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Malir's Jaffar-e-Taiyar, Old and New Rizia Society, Qasba Colony, Abbas Town and Soldier Bazaar.