Chehlum processions observed nationwide amid tight security

The Chehlum of Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala was observed nationwide with religious reverence and solemnity amid tight security.

Chehlum is observed across the country to pay homage to the martyrs of Karbala through mourning processions. It marks the 40th day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Throughout the procession, mourning groups recited elegies and performed matam. Devotees paid homage to symbolic representations of Zuljanah (the horse of Imam Hussain RA), alams, and taboots.

Distributions of food and drinks were also made as offerings (Nazr-o-Niyaz), while special arrangements were made by women for female mourners, including setting up water stalls (sabeels).

Chehlum procession in final stages in Karachi

In an update at 6:48pm, the police said the front of the main procession had entered Hussainia Irania Imambargah.

Earlier, the Traffic Police finalised a special traffic plan for the Chehlum procession of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).

According to a Traffic Police spokesperson, a detailed route map and alternative traffic arrangements were issued for public convenience. Due to security reasons, MA Jinnah Road from Guru Mandir to Tower remained closed for all kinds of traffic.

As per the plan, the main procession began at 9am from Nishtar Park and, after passing through its designated routes, culminated at Imambargah Hussainia Iranian in Kharadar.

The Traffic Police also outlined alternative routes for commuters. In District Central, traffic coming from Nazimabad was diverted from Lasbela Chowk towards Nishtar Road via Garden. Vehicles from Liaquatabad were routed from Teen Hatti to Lasbela Chowk and then towards Central Jail (Martin Road).

Read More: Karachi shuts key roads for Chehlum procession

Separate arrangements were made for heavy traffic. Vehicles from the Super Highway intending to reach MA Jinnah Road were diverted via Liaquatabad No 10, Nazimabad No 2, SITE Habib Bank Flyover, State Avenue Road and Sher Shah to Mauripur. The same route was used for return traffic.

No traffic - heavy or light - was allowed beyond Guru Mandir towards the procession route. All traffic was diverted towards Bahadur Yar Jang Road and Soldier Bazaar. Entry of all vehicles on MA Jinnah Road remained strictly prohibited, except those with authorised procession stickers, which were allowed via Society Light Signal on Shahra-e-Quaideen.

Meanwhile, the city police also devised a comprehensive security plan for the peaceful conduct of the Chehlum procession and related gatherings. A total of 4,994 police officers and personnel were deployed for security duties, along with 139 police vehicles at various locations.

According to the police spokesperson, security arrangements included deployment at Nishtar Park, along procession routes, entry and exit points, CCTV control rooms, search and strike units, rooftop snipers, major hospitals, alternative routes and post-incident response teams.

Chehlum, Urs of Data Ganj Bakhsh underway in Lahore

The Chehlum of Imam Hussain (RA) and the concluding ceremonies of the Urs of Data Ali Hajveri, widely known as Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), were observed across Punjab on Tuesday under extensive security arrangements.

According to an update at 7:01pm, the main procession reached Pani Wala Talab and will reach Karbala Gamay Shah via Bhatti Gate. There were a large number of mourners present outside Karbala Gamay Shah with thousands of mourners present inside Karbala Gamay Shah.

Earlier in the day, a policeman and a pilgrim fainted due to extreme heat and humidity during a procession at Lower Mall Road.

The 20-year-old pilgrim, Syed Zahid Shah, a resident of Gujrat, and Dolphin Force policeman Naveed Ahmed were taken to Mayo Hospital, where they are being provided medical assistance. Edhi ambulances and volunteers were deployed for emergency services along all the procession routes.

Chehlum procession underway in Pindi

The central mourning procession, which started from Imam Bargah Ashiq Hussain Teli Mohalla, was underway on Jamia Masjid Road via Fawara Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Purana, Qila Chowk.

According to an update at 7:54pm, the rear part of the procession is near the Qila of Bazar Kalan Purana. The procession will end after reaching Imam Bargah Qadimi via Jamia Masjid Road.

Strict security arrangements have been made by Rawalpindi Police for the security of the procession, with more than 4,000 security personnel deployed in the city.

Regional Police Officer Babar Sarfraz and City Police Officer Hassan Mushtaq, along with administrative officers, reviewed the security and other arrangements for the procession.