Chehlum of Karbala's martyrs being observed countrywide

KARACHI: The Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions martyred in Karbala tragedy is being observed Tuesday (today) with traditional religious solemnity, amid tight security measures countrywide.

The main mourning procession of Chehlum in Karachi will be taken out from Nishtar Park, which will end at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar after marching its traditional route.

As part of security measures, pillion riding has been banned in Karachi and other cities across Sindh by the government under section of 144 (6) of the criminal procedure code from October 30 (today) till November 2.Under the government orders, the pillion riding in Karachi has been banned for only one day- on today.

The ban on pillion riding is not applicable on women, children below the age of 12, senior citizens, journalists, law enforcement agencies personnel in uniforms and the employees of essential services.

However, the mobile phone services will also remain suspended in select areas as part of security measures to avoid any unforeseen incident.

Inspector General of Police Sindh Dr Kaleem Imam has ordered all police DIGs to to ensure foolproof security for the mourning processions marking the Chehlum in all districts of the Sindh province. All private and state schools across Sindh are closed today on the occasion.

It is pertinent to mention here that as per notification issued by the federal interior ministry mobile phones to remain ‘silent’ in Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Attock, Rawalpindi, Khushab, Bakhar, Multan, Sahiwal, Rahim Yar Khan and others cities of Punjab.

The Chehlum observance takes place 40 days after the Day of Ashura, and commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his 72 companions by Yazidi forces in the Battle of Karbala in 61 A.H.