Security officials seal shops along the route to be taken by the Ashura procession in Quetta. PHOTO: PPI
More than 5,000 policemen have been deployed for security, with contingents of the Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan and the Balochistan Constabulary augmenting efforts.
Furthermore, three battalions of the army would be on stand-by in order to avert any untoward situation across the province.
The government has also announced that cellular services would remain partially suspended in seven districts of Balochistan during the process on the 10th of Muharram, while a helicopter would escort the main procession in the provincial capital.
The main procession in Quetta would commence from Imam Bargah Nasirabad on Alamdar Road at eight in the morning, with
Balochistan Shia Conference President Syed Dawood Agha and other community leaders at the forefront.
The procession would travel through various points including Liaquat Bazar, Bacha Khan Chowk, Prince Road, Mecongy Road and Abdul Sattar Road, and is scheduled to end at the designated spot at 6 pm.
The main points along the route to be taken by the procession have been barricaded by trucks and containers for security. A control room has also been established at the inspector general’s office.
Pak-Iran border activities halted
Trade activities between Iran and Pakistan have been halted as the Pak-Iran Friendship Gate has been shut due to 9th and 10th Muharram processions.
According to sources in the Levies force, the gate has been closed for two days while business and trade activities have been halted.
It has also been conveyed to Iranian officials have that the gate would be reopened after Ashura.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2019.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ