Muharram 8 procession concludes peacefully in Karachi

Strict security measures were enforced to avoid any untoward incident

KARACHI: The main procession of Muharram 8 in Karachi, which is organised every year to pay homage to the martyrs of Karbala, passed through its traditional route and culminated at the Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar on Sunday evening.

Strict security measures were enforced for the procession, which started the march from Nishtar Park. Besides the ban on pillion riding, cellular services were suspended in 245 areas across the city to avoid any untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, smaller processions were also organised in Ancholi, Pehlwan Goth, Malir's Jaffar-e-Taiyar, Old and New Rizvia Society, Qasba Colony, Abbas Town and Soldier Bazaar. The smaller processions later joined the main procession at Nishtar Park.

Central procession

The central procession started with a Majlis-e-Aza at around 10am, which was addressed by noted Shia scholar Maulana Kumail Mehdavi. Addressing the procession, Maulana Mehdavi highlighted the matchless sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and said that the mission of Imam Hussain (RA) was distinctly unique and revolutionary in nature. "The Imam's sacrifices to save Islam are still remembered across the Muslim world," he said. "Each of us should act as Imam Hussain (RA) because by following Hussain in his footsteps, we can revive the spirit of Karbala," he added.

The procession passed through Guru Mandar and emerged onto New MA Jinnah Road, where Namaz-e-Zohrain was offered at the VVIP Gate of the Quaid's mausoleum. After the prayers, the procession made its way through Peoples Chowrangi, New MA Jinnah Road, Saddar Dawakhana, Empress Market, Regal Chowk, Tibet Center and Plastic Market, before culminating at the Hussainian Iraninan Imambargah. According to official estimates, over 30,000 mourners participated in the procession. All the roads and streets towards the route of the procession were sealed off by placing containers and barricades.

Security measures

In view of the potential threats, hundreds of law enforcement personnel were deployed to secure the route of the central procession as well as the venues of various Majalis. The central procession was also monitored through security cameras at a command and control centre set up at the Central Police Office as well as at the Civic Centre.

Security personnel were also deployed on the rooftops of nearby buildings to monitor the proceedings. Scouts organisations, rescue services and the city administration had also made necessary arrangements to facilitate the participants.

The home department has imposed a three-day ban on pillion riding in the city starting from Muharram 8 till Ashura, while cellular phone services will remain partially suspended from Muharram 8 till Ashura.

Emergency has already been declared in all public sector hospitals of Karachi and other parts of the province, and doctors, paramedics and medicines have been asked to ensure their availability. On Sunday, besides the over 2,000 volunteers, more than 6,000 law enforcers were deployed along the route of the main procession. No one was allowed to enter the procession from the front.

Three protective circles were formed by scouts, police and Rangers personnel, who surrounded the procession, while sharpshooters were also deployed on the rooftops of over 150 buildings along the route. The bomb disposal squad cleared the area at the front as the procession made its way along the route.

All link roads were sealed, commercial areas closed and any activity other than the procession was barred.

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

According to the Sindh Police's security plan, over 70,000 police personnel have been deployed across the province to maintain law and order during the processions.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2019.