Processions to mark Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain underway amid tight security

KARACHI: The Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain is being observed today with religious fervor across the country amid tight security measures.

The processions to mark the 40^th day of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions in Karbala, went underway in all big and small cities of the country.

Security has been beefed up across the country with installation of walk-through gates, close circuit TV cameras, and deployment of heavy contingents of the personnel of law enforcement agencies to ensure that the day passes off peacefully without any untoward incident.

In Karachi, the roads and streets leading to MA Jinnah Road, the route of the central procession of Chehlum, have been blocked from Numaish Chowrangi to Tower with containers and barbed wire.

The main procession, which began from Nishtar Park at around 1:00pm, will culminate at Hussainiya Iranian Imambargah Kharadar in Old Town after passing through its traditional route. About 5,000 police personnel have been deployed along procession routes with walk-through gates at different points to check mourners.

Sharpshooters have also been deployed on rooftops of high-rises along routes of the procession. Besides, mobile phone jammers have been installed along the route.

The provincial government has imposed a ban on pillion-riding in the metropolis.

According to a statement issued by Sindh police two days back, some 100 big and small processions will be taken out while more than 460 majalis would be held in different areas of the city.

Around 17,900 police personnel will perform duty in the Sindh province on the day.