Mourning processions marking the martyrdom day of Hazrat Ali (RA) were held across Pakistan under strict security measures, with thousands of police and security personnel deployed to ensure safety.
Karachi
The main procession in Karachi commenced from Nishtar Park and concluded at Hussainiya Iraniya Imambargah, Kharadar. Mourners offered Zuhrain prayers at Imambargah Ali Raza before proceeding further.
Over 5,000 police personnel, Rangers, and commandos were deployed, with snipers positioned on 21 buildings along the route. Roads were sealed off with containers, and pillion riding on motorcycles was banned throughout the city under Section 144.
Traffic diversions in Karachi
To facilitate the movement of the procession, M.A. Jinnah Road from Guru Mandir to Tower has been closed for regular traffic. Karachi traffic police have issued alternate routes for commuters:
- Nazimabad traffic: Use Lasbela Chowk and Nishtar Road to reach Garden
- Liaquatabad commuters: Take Teen Hatti, Lasbela Chowk, and Central Jail routes
- Hasan Square to PP Chowrangi traffic: Diverted via Kashmir Road to Society Light Signal
- Jail Flyover traffic: Redirected towards Teen Hatti and Nishtar Road
- Shahrah-e-Quaideen to Numaish traffic: Use Kashmir Road
- Jamshed Road to Guru Mandir traffic: Take Bahadur Yar Jang Road and Soldier Bazaar
Lahore
Lahore's main procession began at 9am from Mubarak Haveli and concluded at Karbala Gamay Shah after passing through traditional routes. Security arrangements included 7,000 police personnel and live monitoring through Safe City cameras.
Officials stated that security personnel would remain on duty until mourners dispersed.
Islamabad/Rawalpindi
The main procession in Rawalpindi started from Azakhana Mubarak Bano in Mohanpura Mohalla and ended at Imambargah Colonel Maqbool after passing through Fawara Chowk, Iqbal Road, and Bohar Bazar Chowk.
Mourners paid tribute to Hazrat Ali (RA), while Rawalpindi Police and security agencies remained on high alert. Langar and sabeels were established at various points along the route.
Quetta
In Quetta, the main procession of Youm-e-Ali was scheduled to begin at 9pm from Alamdar Road, passing through Saeed Ahmad Road, Prince Road, and Megani Road, before returning to Alamdar Road. More than 2,000 police and security personnel have been deployed, and all designated routes were sealed for security reasons.
Similar processions were taken out in Peshawar, Kandiyaro, Rohri, Hyderabad, Multan, Jalalpur, Mehr, Kashmore and other cities.
Authorities imposed strict security arrangements, including road closures, mobile network suspension, and a ban on pillion riding under Section 144 to prevent any untoward incidents.
Security measures and restrictions
In Karachi, streets and roads leading to the main procession route have been blocked with containers to ensure security. The Karachi commissioner banned pillion riding on motorcycles for the day, while a heavy police presence has been deployed along the route.
In Quetta, mobile phone services have been temporarily suspended as part of security protocols. The home departments of all provinces were issued directives for strict implementation of security measures.
