Millions of Muslims across Pakistan are observing the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), today. The day is marked by majalis (religious gatherings) and mourning processions in various cities, reflecting on the sacrifices made by the Prophet’s family and emphasizing the importance of standing against injustice. Due to the significance of the occasion and the large crowds expected, authorities have implemented stringent security measures across the country to ensure the safety of participants.
In Karachi, the main Chehlum procession started from Nishtar Park, with participants following the traditional route leading to Hussainian Iranian Imambargah. The procession, which is one of the largest in the country, is closely monitored with strict security arrangements in place. The participants paused at Imambargah Ali Raza on MA Jinnah Road for the noon prayers, with the procession set to conclude at its final destination later in the day. The majlis at Nishtar Park began earlier with a sermon by renowned scholar Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi, who addressed the attendees on the significance of the day.
In Lahore, the capital of Punjab, the main procession departed from Haveli Alif Shah and is following its traditional route to Karbala Gamay Shah. Lahore has seen similar security measures, with over 5,000 police personnel deployed to ensure the safety of the participants. Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddiqui Kamyana has emphasized that a three-tier security system is in place to protect the processions, with security remaining on high alert until all events conclude.
In Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, two significant processions are taking place. One started from Alamdar Road near Shuhada Chowk and is heading towards Bahisht-e-Zainab graveyard, while the other began in Hazara Town, ending at the local cemetery. The city’s processions are being held under tight security, with shops and business centers along the routes sealed off and police personnel stationed on rooftops and at entry points to ensure safety.
Other cities across Pakistan, including Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Mianwali, Bahawalnagar, Kohat, Bannu, Parachinar, Gilgit, and areas in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), are also witnessing similar processions. In these cities, security measures have been heightened, with thousands of personnel deployed to safeguard the participants.
Given the potential security risks during such large gatherings, authorities have taken extensive steps to ensure the safety of those attending the processions. In Karachi, roads leading to the main procession have been blocked with containers, and security is being provided by a large contingent of Sindh Rangers and Sindh Police. Expert snipers have been deployed along the route, and the procession is being monitored both aerially and through CCTV cameras. Additionally, cellular services have been suspended in various parts of Sindh, including Karachi, Khairpur, Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, and Shikarpur, as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incidents.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar has directed local authorities to ensure foolproof security for the main procession. This includes increased intelligence gathering in the surrounding areas and the deployment of the bomb disposal squad (BDS) to sweep and clear the procession routes and entry points.
In Lahore, the police have implemented a three-tier security system, with more than 5,000 personnel ensuring the safety of the processions. CCPO Bilal Siddiqui Kamyana has emphasized that security will remain on high alert throughout the day until all events conclude.
Quetta has also seen significant security preparations, with shops and business centers along the procession routes sealed off and entry points closed. Police personnel have been deployed on rooftops and entrances to maintain vigilance. In Parachinar, the local administration has banned the entry of cars and motorcycles into the city and suspended mobile services along the procession routes. The border with Afghanistan has also been temporarily closed as an additional security measure, according to Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud.
In Rawalpindi, mobile services have been suspended along the procession routes, with more than 4,600 security personnel, including 215 officers, deployed to provide security.
As millions of Muslims across Pakistan observe Chehlum with religious gatherings and processions, the authorities have taken extensive measures to ensure their safety. The suspension of cellular services, deployment of security personnel, and sealing off of key routes reflect the government’s commitment to preventing any security breaches. The peaceful and secure observance of this significant day is a priority, as the country reflects on the sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his family in the fight against injustice.
