The central procession of Youm-e-Ali in Karachi will begin from Imambargah Shah-e-Khorasan today as mourning processions in Lahore, Multan and other cities of the country have started under stringent security.
Security high alert has been declared and the ban on pillion riding has been imposed in Karachi and other cities to avoid any untoward incident.
In Lahore central mourning procession emerged from Mobarak Haveli and proceed through Chowk Nawab Sahab, Mochi Gate, Kucha Shayan, Old Kotwali, Kashmir Bazar, Bhati Gate and will conclude at Kerbala Gamay Shah.
Participants of the procession will also offer Zuhr prayer at Chowk Rang Mahal.
Monitoring of sensitive areas in Lahore is being carried out through CCTV cameras, three drone cameras and a helicopter while cellular services on procession route will remain suspended till conclusion of the event.
The central mourning procession in Karachi will emerge from Imambargah Shah-e-Khorasan at 1:00 PM.
More than 11000 policemen and 1000 Rangers personnel have been deployed in the city whereas containers have been placed on the roads to secure the procession.
Police commandos and snipers have been deployed at high-rise buildings to protect the mourners.
Police also using a robot gifted by America to Sindh Police in the security operation. The robot named IED is capable to defuse a bomb.
As per the city’s traffic plan, MA Jinnah Road and Preedy Street have been sealed with containers to block traffic and the motorists are being diverted to Soldier Bazar and Nishtar Road.
Traffic from Nazimabad towards MA Jinnah Road has been diverted to Nishtar Road from Lasbela Chowk while traffic from Liaquatabad is being diverted to Martin Road and Jail Road from Teen Hatti.
Arrangements have been made to organize 331 mourning congregations in three zones of the metropolis whereas 178 processions will merge with main rally at MA Jinnah Road.
In Quetta, pillion riding has been banned for two days under section 144 as part of the security arrangements for Youm-e-Ali procession.
Main procession will be taken out at 9:30pm and will proceed through Nechari Chowk, Alamdar Chowk, Abdullah Masjid Street, Kansi Road and will conclude at Alamdar Road.
Heavy contingents of security men including 1500 policemen andand other security personnel have been deployed for security of the procession. Bomb disposal squad will carry out sweeping operation using sniffer dogs and special tools on the procession routes. Participants will not be allowed to enter the rally without special pass.
In Peshawar, the district administration has imposed section 144 for three days to avert any untoward incident.
