KARACHI: Mourners are taking out processions across the country on Saturday, the ninth of first month of Islamic calendar, to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), his family and companions in Karbala.
In Karachi, the central procession of 9th Muharram has been taken out from Nishtar Park.
The major arterial route – M.A Jinnah Road – in Karachi has been sealed for commuters as containers were placed at various points along the road, besides heavy contingent of Rangers and Police have been deployed along the procession route.
A large number of devotees clad in black, including men, women, children, and aged would attend the march that will pass through the M.A Jinnah Road and conclude at Hussainia Iranian in Kharadar in old city area.
A ban on pillion riding has been imposed in the city in view of the law and order situation, besides the cellular services have been suspended in the major cities of the province.
Meanwhile, the main procession in Islamabad emerged from the Markazi Imambargah sector G-6/2 in which thousands of mourners are expected to participate.
The procession is moving move along its pre-approved route and will pass through Luqman Hakeem Road, G-6 Service Road, Saddar Road, Streets 33 and 40 in G-6/1, Municipal Road, Melody Chowk, Shuhada Chowk, Aabpara Police Station and Polyclinic before circling back through Luqman Hakeem Road and culminating at the Imambargah at night.
Police have made strict security arrangements and cordoned off the entire route of the procession. Major roads in sector G-6 will be completely blocked and the streets will remain cut off with concrete blocks and barbed wire.
Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has devised a special traffic plan for 9th Muharram ul Harram and decided to deploy around 520 policemen including officers and jawans on the various routes of processions to avoid any inconvenience to the road users.
SSP (Traffic) Malik Matloob has said that he will himself monitor the arrangements while four DSPs and 21 Inspectors will also perform duties to ensure smooth flow of traffic and guide the road users to alternate routes to avoid any inconvenience.
According to plan the 7th Avenue from F-6 Chowk to Soharwardi road, like wise Fazal e Haq Road from China Chowk to Kalsum Plaza will be closed for general traffic. The road from Iqbal Hall to Melody Chowk, Municipal Road from Markazi Jamia Masjid to Poly Clinic Chowk, Luqman Hakeem Road from Poly Clinic to Lal Quarter while G-6 service road from G-6/2 Chowk to Lal Quarter Chowk will remain close for general traffic and the traffic will be diverted to alternate routes.
The residents of sectors I-8, I-9 would use external IJP, Pirwadhai road. The citizens have been requested to cooperate with Islamabad Traffic Police and call 1915 or 0519261992 to get further information
The 10th of Muharraum, Youm-e-Ashur, will be observed with great reverence on Sunday.
