The Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala is being observed across Pakistan on Tuesday with religious devotion and respect.
Mourners are participating in processions and majalis nationwide to pay tribute to the sacrifices of Karbala, while authorities have taken extensive security measures to ensure the safety of participants.
In Karachi, the central Chehlum procession began from Nishtar Park and is passing through its traditional route along M.A. Jinnah Road. More than 4,000 police personnel have been deployed, while surveillance systems and other precautionary measures are being used to maintain security.
Markets and shops located along the procession route were searched and sealed by the Bomb Disposal Unit. Section 144 has also been imposed, and mobile phone services are expected to face partial suspension in areas surrounding the procession route.
In Lahore, the main Chehlum procession started from Haveli Alaf Shah near Delhi Gate and will conclude at Karbala Gamay Shah after passing through traditional routes. The Punjab Police has placed security arrangements on high alert across the province.
Read More: Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) being observed today
Punjab Police Inspector General Abdul Karim said 730 majalis and 420 mourning processions are being held across Punjab on Chehlum. More than 42,000 police officers and personnel have been assigned security duties throughout the province.
In Lahore, over 10,000 officers and personnel are deployed for the security of 44 majalis and 17 processions. Security measures include 390 walk-through gates, 6,427 metal detectors, and monitoring through Safe Cities Authority cameras.
The IGP Punjab said Elite Force personnel, traffic police, and volunteers are assisting in security arrangements. Special control rooms have also been established to monitor processions, majalis, and religious gatherings.
Snipers have been deployed on rooftops along procession routes, while female police personnel are performing duties for the checking and security of women mourners.
Senior police officials, including the CCPO Lahore, RPOs, and DPOs, have been directed to personally supervise security arrangements.
In Peshawar, two Zuljinah processions are being held from Imambargah Akhundabad and Jamia Masjid Kocha Risaldar. Both processions will conclude at their respective Imambargahs under strict security measures.
Traffic management plans have been implemented in major cities. In Karachi, roads leading towards M.A. Jinnah Road have been closed, with alternative routes announced for commuters.
Traffic from Shahrah-e-Quaideen is being diverted towards Kashmir Road and Peoples Chowrangi, while vehicles from Hasan Square are being redirected through Shahrah-e-Quaideen, Society Signal, Teen Hatti, and Lasbela Chowk.
Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, is observed 40 days after Ashura to commemorate Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his family members, and companions who were martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Millions of mourners around the world participate in processions and gatherings each year to honour their sacrifice.
