Mourners soldier on despite flooding

Nearly 3,000 cops, other law enforcers deployed for 8th Muharram procession’s security

Undeterred by the previous day's torrential rain and the flooded roads, scores participated the 8th Muharram procession carried out in Karachi under Sadaat-e-Amroha on Friday.

Determined, they journeyed through the demarcated route, bearing the inconvenience posed by rainwater pooled at various places that had witnessed containers afloat in flooded streets on Thursday.

The procession, which started from Nishtar Park and culminated at Hussainia Iranian imambargah in Kharadar after passing through the designated route, was carried out amid tight security with 2,838 police officials and other law enforcers, including Rangers personnel, standing guard.

The law enforcement personnel were instructed not to let anyone enter or leave the procession mid-way. They were also deployed on high-rise buildings to monitor the procession via binoculars.

Speaking in this regard, a Karachi Police spokesperson said cops deployed for the procession's security included both male and female officials, adding that they had been providing security to mourners for the past four days despite the rain wreaking havoc in the city.

Sharp shooters were also deployed at buildings along the procession's route at various spots.

Besides, tankers, trucks, containers and barriers were placed all along the processions route while cellular services remained suspended throughout the day in areas falling in the procession's path.

Moreover, CCTV cameras were also mounted on tall structures to overlook the procession.

The main procession of 9th Muharram will be carried out today (Saturday) in the city. It will originate from Nishtar Park, where Maulana Syed Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi will address the participants. They will then offer Zuhrain prayers at Imambargah Ali Raza before leaving for Hussainia Iranian imambargah, where the procession will culminate.

The participants of the processions have been instructed by authorities to abide by standard operating procedures to curb the chances of the spread of the coronavirus.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2020.