Chehlum processions held to commemorate Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala passed peacefully across Pakistan on Tuesday, with authorities maintaining extensive security arrangements.
Mourners paid tribute to the martyrs by accompanying symbolic representations of Zuljanah, alams and taboots. Food and drinks were also distributed as Nazr-o-Niyaz, while special facilities, including water stalls and arrangements for female mourners, were provided along the procession routes.
PROCESSIONS IN PUNJAB
Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Karim said the situation remained peaceful across the province, including Lahore, during the Chehlum observances, with no untoward incident reported.
The IG praised the police for maintaining comprehensive security during the religious observances. He said security was provided for 730 gatherings and 420 mourning processions across Punjab.
Abdul Karim also appreciated the efforts of all Regional Police Officers (RPOs), District Police Officers (DPOs), Lahore CCPO and traffic police officials for effectively managing security and traffic arrangements.
He said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, provincial ministers, advisers and regional representatives provided valuable guidance to the police during the security preparations.
The IG also commended operational units, including the Special Branch and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), for carrying out their responsibilities effectively. He said the Punjab Police also received support from the Pakistan Army and Rangers in maintaining security during the Chehlum.
Abdul Karim expressed gratitude to citizens, religious scholars from different schools of thought, security agencies and the media for their cooperation.
KARACHI PROCESSION
In Karachi, police said the main Chehlum procession entered Hussainia Irania Imambargah and concluded peacefully.
The main procession began from Nishtar Park at 9am and proceeded along its designated route before ending at Hussainia Irania Imambargah in Kharadar.
The Traffic Police had earlier introduced a special traffic plan and designated alternative routes for commuters to minimise disruption during the procession.
In District Central, traffic coming from Nazimabad was diverted from Lasbela Chowk towards Nishtar Road through Garden. Vehicles travelling from Liaquatabad were redirected from Teen Hatti to Lasbela Chowk and then towards Central Jail on Martin Road.
Police had deployed a comprehensive security plan for the procession and related gatherings. Around 4,994 police officers and personnel were assigned security duties, supported by 139 police vehicles at different locations.
Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the concluding ceremonies of the Urs of Data Ali Hajveri, popularly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), were also observed across Punjab under heightened security.
In Lahore, the main mourning procession reached Pani Wala Talab and proceeded towards Karbala Gamay Shah through Bhatti Gate.
A large number of mourners gathered outside Karbala Gamay Shah, while thousands of devotees were also present inside the premises.
CHEHLUM PROCESSION IN RAWALPINDI
In Rawalpindi, the central mourning procession began from Imam Bargah Ashiq Hussain in Teli Mohalla and proceeded peacefully along Jamia Masjid Road, passing through Fawara Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Purana and Qila Chowk.
