Security plans in place for Chehlum tomorrow
Islamabad Traffic Police carry out snap checks ahead of Chehlum procession preparations. Photo: X
Ahead of Chehlum processions scheduled for August 15 (Friday), the Islamabad and Karachi police have chalked out extensive security plans, with thousands of personnel deployed in both cities to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of religious gatherings.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, during a press conference at the central Imambargah in G-6, stated that the Islamabad Police has established a comprehensive security plan for the Chehlum procession in the federal capital.
The plan has been developed with reference to the past five years’ security arrangements. To ensure foolproof security of the procession, a force comprising 5,000 officers and personnel has been deployed. All divisional DIGs, SSPs, SPs, and female officers of Islamabad Police are on duty, he added.
ایس پی انڈسٹریل ایریا زون عدیل اکبر نے ناکہ فیض آباد کا دورہ کرتے ہوئے ڈیوٹی پر موجود افسران کو بریف کیا اور شہریوں کے تحفظ کو یقینی بنانے کے لیے الرٹ رہنے کی ہدایت دی۔#WeRIslamabadPolice #Islamabad #OPS pic.twitter.com/NO4ZqAdJTQ
Sniper commandos have been positioned on rooftops along the procession route, and flying private drones in the area has been strictly prohibited.
Additionally, special units of the CTD, police, and Rangers have been deployed at the front and rear of the procession. Furthermore, 16 Quick Response Force (QRF) teams of the Rangers, 29 QRF teams of CTD, and 16 elite police vehicles have been stationed to respond promptly to any emergency.
A comprehensive digital surveillance system with modern cameras is active throughout the city. The Safe City project and mobile control rooms are fully operational and playing an effective role.
Also Read: Armed forces congratulate nation on 78th Independence Day
He also mentioned that Islamabad Police has conducted search operations across the city and carried out seven rounds of sweeping along the Chehlum procession route. Entry points have been increased to facilitate participants.
The purpose of all these arrangements, he said, is to provide maximum convenience to citizens so they face no difficulty during the Chehlum procession. The public is urged to cooperate with the police and immediately report any suspicious activity to the emergency helpline Pucar-15.
Female police and commandos have also been deployed for added security.
Procession and route details
Six major mourning processions will be held in Rawalpindi and Islamabad to commemorate the Chehlum of Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala on Friday.
The processions will take place amid unprecedented security measures, including a complete shutdown of the metro bus service, internet, and mobile networks.
All routes for the processions were sealed from 1am on Thursday night. A total of 8,500 police personnel have been deployed, and all participants will be monitored via drones and 500 CCTV cameras. Carrying weapons, lighters, or batons is strictly prohibited.
چہلم حضرت امام حسین ؓ کے حوالے سے راولپنڈی پولیس کے سیکورٹی انتظامات, 4000 سے زائد افسران و اہلکار جلوس کے لیے سیکورٹی فرائض سر انجام دیں گے، ٹریفک کے انتظامات کو یقینی بنانے کے لئے 200 سے زائد افسران و اہلکار فرائض سر انجام دیں گے، جلوس کے انٹری پوائنٹس پر واک تھرو گیٹ لگائے
Five locations along the procession routes have been declared highly sensitive, with Rangers and commandos deployed for additional security.
A control room has been activated, and the Triple-One Brigade of the army remains on high alert throughout the day. Mounted police units are also on duty.
The first procession will begin at 12:30pm from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Teeli Mohalla, reaching the central Imambargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain by 1:30pm.
Other processions include those from Imambargah Hifazat Ali Shah at 2:30pm, Imambargah Shaheedan-e-Karbala (Tyre Bazaar) at 4:45pm, Imambargah Darbar Shah Chan Charagh at 3:30pm, and Imambargah Baltistaniya at 1:00pm.
These processions will conclude at Imambargah Qadeem around 12:30am, after passing through Murree Road, Committee Chowk, Iqbal Road, Fawara Chowk, Raja Bazaar, and other key areas.
Participants will perform traditional mourning rituals at each intersection. Congregational prayers for Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha will be held at Fawara Chowk and Jamia Masjid Road, respectively. Water, tea, and medical camps are set up along the routes.
The deputy commissioner has imposed Section 144, mandating the closure of all markets, plazas, and mosques along the procession routes.
Residents are prohibited from standing on rooftops, balconies, or windows. Entry is restricted to walk-through gates only, and all attendees will be searched across three security layers.
Double riding on motorcycles is banned, and all parking and construction materials are barred along the routes. Commandos will also be stationed on rooftops along both sides of the routes, particularly the two-furlong stretch from Fawara Chowk to Dangi Khoi, which has been marked as a high-risk zone and will be personally monitored by top city officials.
Over 11,000 personnel deployed in Karachi
Meanwhile, Karachi police have also finalized a robust deployment plan as a part of extensive security measures for the observance of Chehlum, involving 11,479 police officers and personnel.
According to details shared by Additional Inspector General (AIG) Karachi, Javed Alam Odho, a comprehensive security strategy has been put in place to ensure peace and order across the city during the religious commemorations.
Out of the total deployment, 7,465 police officers and personnel will be stationed along the routes of 108 processions, while 2,901 officers will be on duty at 501 majalis (religious gatherings). An additional 1,113 officers will be deployed to secure 642 Imambargahs across Karachi.
چہلم شہدائے کربلا کے موقع پر ٹریفک کے مؤثر انتظامات کو یقینی بنانے کے لیے ڈی آئی جی ٹریفک پولیس کراچی کی سربراہی میں ایک اہم اجلاس منعقد ہوا۔ اجلاس میں مرکزی جلوس کی آرگنائزنگ کمیٹی کے اراکین اور متعلقہ ایس ایس پی صاحبان نے شرکت کی۔ pic.twitter.com/kCQDJPpkyX
In a high-level directive issued by the AIG, all Station House Officers (SHOs) have been instructed to remain present in their respective jurisdictions, intensify patrolling, enforce snap-checking, and ensure strict picketing, particularly in sensitive areas. The security plan places special emphasis on sensitive installations, public places, and key government and private buildings, which will remain under high alert.
The routes leading to the city’s central Chehlum procession will be completely sealed, and heightened security measures have been implemented around Nishtar Park, a focal point of the day’s observances.
Entry and exit points of Karachi are also being closely monitored, with coordinated checkpoints and search operations in place. The Bomb Disposal Squad has conducted complete sweeps and clearance operations at all major venues to prevent any untoward incident.
Read: Over 500 social media accounts 'linked to banned militant groups' banned in Pakistan
Furthermore, AIG Javed emphasized the need for enhanced intelligence gathering and inter-agency information sharing, down to the police station level. He issued a stern warning that negligence in the implementation of security protocols will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The police chief reiterated that maintaining peace and public safety during the solemn occasion of Chehlum is of utmost priority and that all law enforcement units are working in full coordination to uphold this responsibility.