KARACHI: The Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) is being observed today across the country with religious fervour and solemnity amid tightened security measures.
The main chehlum procession in Karachi will be taken out from Nishtar Park today and will conclude at Hussainiya Irania Imambargah Kharadar.
In Lahore, the main procession will emerge from Haveli Asif Shah Androon Mochi Gate. In Rawalpindi, the procession will be produced from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain Committee Chowk at around 11 am.
Strict security arrangements have been made on the eve of chehlum.
In Peshawar, heavy contingents of police have been deployed in the inner-city and cantonment to provide security to the processions.
“Cops will be deployed on the rooftops and sensitive places in the inner-city to keep a check on any suspicious movement. Besides, the entry and exit points will be strengthened with deployment of more cops,” said Senior Superintendent of Police, operations, Sajjad Khan.
The official said patrolling would be increased in the inner city to avoid any untoward incident. Capital City Police Officer Mohammad Tahir, SSP Operations and other officers inspected the inner city and Saddar to inspect the security arrangements for the chehlum.
In Quetta, around 3,000 policemen have been deployed for security of chehlum procession route, in addition to FC and Levies personnel. 2,250 policemen have been deployed in Quaidabad area, while 1,330 policemen have been deployed in Brewery area.
Emergency has been declared at government hospitals in Quetta and doctors and paramedical staff have been directed to attend duty. Government rescue organisations and ambulance services have also been asked to be on standby for chehlum processions, which are scheduled to start at 9 am and terminate at 5 pm. Chechlum procession appearing from Alamdar road would terminate at Behishat Zehra and Hazara Town procession would end at Hazara Graveyard.
