The 40th day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and the martyrs of Karbala, known as Chehlum, was observed across Pakistan on Monday with solemnity and respect. Processions were held in various cities, with heightened security measures in place.

Karachi on Lockdown

In Karachi, the main Chehlum procession commenced from Nishtar Park and concluded at the Husainia Iranian Imambargah in Khara Dar.

To ensure security, MA Jinnah Road, from Guru Mandar to Tower, was closed to all traffic. The city’s mobile phone service was suspended from early morning, with the suspension lasting until late evening.

The Sindh government also banned pillion riding and drone cameras across the province.

Security forces implemented stringent measures across the country, including high alert status in all major cities, road closures in key areas like Karachi’s MA Jinnah Road, suspension of mobile phone service in Karachi and other major cities of Sindh, aerial surveillance of processions, deployment of thousands of police officers and Rangers personnel to secure the processions, and installation of additional CCTV cameras to monitor the processions.

Punjab on high alert

Punjab was also on high alert, with 30,000 police officers deployed to secure 382 processions and gatherings. The main procession in Lahore would start from Haveli Alf Shah, Delhi Gate.

Islamabad

The main Chehlum procession in Islamabad concluded at the Imambargah Athna Ashri, following its designated route.

Quetta

The main Chehlum procession in Quetta commenced from Alamdar Road. Stringent security measures were implemented for the procession, with heavy deployment of police and law enforcement agencies along the designated route.