Youm-e-Shahadat (martyrdom day) of Hazrat Ali (RA) is being observed across the country today (Wednesday) with religious solemnity.

Special security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the protection of imambargahs and majalis, as well as to maintain smooth traffic flow in various cities.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, during a meeting with prominent religious scholars in Lahore, said that all mourning processions across the country marking the occasion would conclude by the time of Maghrib prayers.

Security measures in Karachi

Security has been tightened in Karachi ahead of the Youm-e-Ali processions, with senior officials reviewing arrangements along the main route.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, accompanied by Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Inspector General of Sindh Police Javed Alam Odho, and Karachi Police Chief Azad Khan, visited Numaish Chowrangi to review the procession route and security measures.

Lanjar directed authorities to ensure extraordinary security arrangements in view of the current situation, stressing that all institutions should remain alert to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.

Additional police and law enforcement personnel have been deployed, while CCTV cameras along the procession route have been activated to monitor the situation.

Mayor Wahab said municipal agencies would ensure cleanliness, street lighting and other civic facilities during the procession.

Relevant departments will remain present in the field to facilitate citizens and participants in the procession, he added.

Security heightened in Punjab

Meanwhile, in Punjab, security has been placed on high alert across the province to mark the Youm-e-Shahadat of Hazrat Ali (RA).

Punjab Inspector General Dr Abdul Karim ordered enhanced security across the province, including Lahore, in light of the situation along the country’s western border.

He directed authorities to keep a close watch on threats from Fitna Al Khawarij and Fitna Al Hindustan terror groups, and instructed personnel deployed at interprovincial checkpoints to remain highly vigilant.

According to the Punjab police chief, more than 30,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed across the province to provide security for mourning processions and religious gatherings, including over 8,000 officers in Lahore.

A Punjab Police spokesperson said special security arrangements have been made for 217 mourning processions and 994 religious gatherings across the province.

To ensure thorough screening of participants, 2,029 metal detectors and 297 walk-through gates have been installed.

Processions and gatherings are also being monitored continuously through cameras operated by the Safe Cities Authority and district administrations.

In addition, authorities have deployed plainclothes commandos along procession routes and snipers on rooftops, while female police officers have been assigned to check women participants.

The IG Punjab directed all field formations, including the Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit (PRU), Special Branch and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), to coordinate closely to ensure security arrangements.

Regional and district police chiefs have also been instructed to personally oversee security measures for processions and gatherings.