The Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) is being observed today (Tuesday) across the country with due reverence and solemnity amid heightened security.
The event marked the culmination of a 40-day mourning period after the 10th of Muharram, the martyrdom date of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his 72 companions in 680 AD.
Mourning processions with Alam, Tazia, and Zuljinah would be taken out in Karachi and other major cities to mark the day.
Strict security arrangements have been made to provide security to Chehlum processions.
In Karachi, the main Chehlum procession will emerge from Nishtar Park at 1 pm after a majlis to be addressed by Allama Shehenshah Hussain Naqvi.
Participants in the procession will offer zohrain prayers on M.A. Jinnah Road before the procession continues along its traditional route.
Police said 4,994 security personnel have been deployed to protect the central procession and associated religious gatherings, while 139 police vehicles will remain on duty to support security operations.
Security has been tightened at Nishtar Park, along the procession route and at all entry and exit points.
CCTV control rooms and search-and-sweep teams have also been deployed, while snipers and rapid response teams have been posted at sensitive locations to ensure public safety.
Processions of Zuljanah and Tazias will also be taken out in various major cities with hundreds of mourners accompanying them and reciting nohas.
In Karachi, authorities have placed containers at roads leading to the procession route to restrict access and ensure security.
As part of the traffic plan, M.A. Jinnah Road will remain closed to vehicular traffic.
Vehicles approaching from Shahrah-e-Quaideen will be diverted towards Kashmir Road and People’s Chowrangi.
Traffic coming from Hassan Square will be redirected via Shahrah-e-Quaideen, Society Office Signal and Tin Hatti before proceeding towards Lasbela Chowk.
Motorists travelling from Nazimabad will be able to reach their destinations through Lasbela, Garden and Nishtar Road.
Meanwhile, traffic arriving from Sharea Faisal will be diverted towards Kashmir Road via Society Office Signal, while vehicles travelling from Saddar to Tower will be redirected through Preedy Street and I.I. Chundrigar Road.
Authorities have advised commuters to use alternative routes and plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconvenience during the processions.
