Chehlum to be observed amid tight security

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 metro bus service, internet, and mobile networks.

All routes for the processions were sealed from 1am 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.

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.

Female police and commandos have also been deployed for added security.