Govt in the process of finalising security measures for chehlum

Police recommend suspension of mobile phone service, ban on pillion riding

KARACHI: Law enforcement agencies are taking extraordinary security measures ahead of the chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) to be observed on November 10. Besides deployment of an extra contingent of law enforcers, the government is likely to suspend mobile phone services as well as impose a ban on pillion riding.

"In view of the ongoing operation against terrorist organisations throughout the county … it is recommended that the signals of mobile phones [are] jammed," reads a letter issued from the office of the Karachi additional IG. The letter also recommends the suspension of internet signals and a ban on pillion riding on the day of chehlum.

It has also been reported that the Karachi police have requested the authorities concerned for the aerial surveillance of the designated route of the chehlum procession. The central procession will follow its traditional route to reach the Hussainian Iranian Imambargah at Kharadar by passing through Nishtar Park, Mehfil-e-Khurasan, MA Jinnah Road, Boulton Market, Bombay Bazaar and Nawab Muhabbat Khanjee Road.



The police have also requested for the bomb disposal units and canine units of the Pakistan Army to ensure that no explosive material is present at the venues of majalis and the procession route.

Sources privy to the security plan said that extraordinary arrangements are being made for the security of processions, majalis and other gatherings in connection with the chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). According to the security plan, around 46,300 police personnel would perform duties in the province on the occasion, of which around 17,000 personnel would be deployed in Karachi. As many as 5,727 police personnel would ensure the security of the main procession in the city. Sharpshooters would be deployed on rooftops of high-rise buildings and strict surveillance would be maintained through watchtowers. The rest of the police force would ensure the security of other processions in the city.