Karbala martyrs' chehlum: Processions emerge nationwide

Pakistan is observing the chehlum of the martyrs of Karbala, including Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), with processions and gatherings held in major cities.

As a security measure, mobile phone services have been suspended in several areas, and strict security protocols have been implemented nationwide.

In Karachi, the central procession began from Nishtar Park, following a traditional route that has been secured with containers and closed markets. The procession will conclude at Hussainiya Iraniyan Imambargah. More than 5,000 police personnel have been deployed and all the markets on the route have been sealed off. 

The Karachi traffic police have released a detailed route plan, with significant road closures, including MA Jinnah Road from Gurumandir to Tower. Passengers coming from Nazimabad can go towards their destination from Lasbela Chowk via Nishtar Road, while those coming from Liaquatabad will be able to go towards Lasbela Chowk and Central Jail from Teen Hatti.

Additionally, a ban on pillion riding and flying helicams has been enforced, while mobile phone signals have been blocked along the procession routes and partially affected in other cities.

In Lahore, the main procession started from Haveli Alif Shah and is proceeding along traditional routes to Karbala Gamay Shah. Over 5,000 police personnel have been deployed for the security of the processions, and barriers have been set up on roads leading to the procession route. Across Lahore, a total of 44 majalis and 5 processions are being held, with more than 7,000 police officers on duty to ensure security. 

The routes of the processions have been sealed with containers. Across Punjab, 680 majalis and 382 mourning processions will be held with more than 30,000 police officers and officials on duty. 

Rawalpindi is also observing chehlum with the main procession leaving from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Teli Mohalla, passing through key locations, including Committee Chowk, Bohar Bazar Chowk, and Fawara Chowk, before concluding at the old Imambargah late at night. Participants of three processions will merge and perform the Zuhrain prayers at Fawara Chowk of Raja Bazaar and hold a majlis.

Strict security arrangements have been made, and the procession will be closely monitored as it integrates with smaller processions along the way.

In Peshawar, three mourning processions are being held from the old city, including Alam and Zuljinnah processions, from Imambargah Alamdar Koocha Risaldar and Akhundabad. Over 4,000 police and officials have been deployed for the city's security, with strict monitoring via CCTV and restrictions on unauthorized persons in buildings near procession routes.

Multan is witnessing nine processions and 29 majalis in different parts of the city, with over 2,000 police officers ensuring the safety of participants. CCTV cameras have been installed along procession routes, and a technical survey conducted to prevent any security lapses.

In Jhang, 28 processions are being held across the district, with the main procession departing from Dera Nawabwala. Over 1,500 police officers are on duty, and a flag march by the Pakistan Army and Rangers has been conducted to reinforce security.

In Hafizabad, the main chehlum procession is being taken out from the main bazaar, with two majalis scheduled for the day. Strict security measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras on procession routes, have been implemented to ensure the safety of participants. 

Officers and employees of rescue, health, civil defense, municipal committee, police and other departments have been appointed on duty. 

The **Sindh** region has also seen significant security measures, with mobile phone services suspended in six cities, including Karachi, Khairpur, Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, and Shikarpur. This step, ordered by the Ministry of Interior, aims to maintain law and order during the processions.

Across Pakistan, the day is marked by a high alert with thousands of police officers and security personnel deployed to safeguard the Chehlum processions and assemblies, reflecting the somber and significant nature of the observance.