KARACHI: The Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Husain (AS) and his companions was observed across the country on Saturday with due reverence and solemnity.

Large processions were taken out in major cities and towns amid strict security with hundreds of mourners reciting nohas (elegies) and performing matam to pay tribute to martyrs of the tragedy of Karbala.

The Interior Ministry had deployed armed troops in all four provinces and territories including Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. A Central Control Room was also established at the ministry to monitor the overall security situation in the country.

The governments of Sindh and Punjab had banned pillion riding while cellular networks were also suspended along the procession routes. Educational institutes remain closed in Sindh on the occasion.

Karachi

In Karachi, the main procession was taken from its traditional route and reached its final destination at Imambargah Husanian Iranian in Kharadar under strict security.

The procession was taken from Nishtar Park to Imambargah Husanian Iranian led by Sarwar Ali. At Nishar Park, a Majlis was held by noted scholar Allama Shehenshah Hussain Naqvi.

A separate procession was also taken out from the Imambargah in Martin Quarters which joined the main procession at Nishtar Park on M.A. Jinnah Road from Gurumandir.

All roads leading to the procession route were closed for traffic while mobile phone services will remain suspended. The police had issued a traffic plan ahead of the procession.

Hyderabad

In Hyderabad, the main procession came from Kadamgah Maula Ali and culminated at Karbala Dadan Shah after Maghrib prayers. The procession passed through Station Road, Lajhpat Road, Bohri Bazaar, Saddar, and Tilak Chari. The mourning procession was monitored with the help of CCTV cameras.

Rawalpindi

In Rawalpindi, the Chehlum procession passed through its traditional route. The processions of tazia and zuljunnah were taken while niaz servings continued as the mourned paid tribute to the esteemed sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS).

Aerial surveillance of the procession and its routes was done. Police chief Syed Shahzad Nadeem Bukhari along with peace committee and other police officers were present with the procession

Volunteers of Shaheen Peace Force, Civil Defence and Mukhtar Force were present to serve the mourners. Rescue 1122 made special arrangements to provide medical aid to mourners injured by matam (self-flagellation).

Islamabad

The Islamabad police said that the main procession of the day in the city has passed peacefully. It said all gatherings and processions in Muharram and Safar were held safely.

The police warned against spreading religious confusion and propaganda on social media. added that legal action can be taken against those spreading hysteria and propaganda.

Gujranwala

In Gujranwala, the main procession of Chehlum was taken out from Imambargah Qasr-e-Abu Talib. A large number of mourners participated in the procession. Strict security arrangements were made while mobile phone service was suspended in different areas of the city.

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