KARACHI: Tens of thousands of mourners took to MA Jinnah road on Thursday to commemorate the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his loyal companions with religious zeal and reverence. The central Alam procession that was taken out from Nishtar Park around 1pm, culminated peacefully at Hussainian Iranian Imambarghah at Kharadar after the dusk, passing through its traditional routes: Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto Road, Father Jaminis Road, Mehfil-e-Shah-e-Khurasan, MA Jinnah Road, Mansfield Street, Saddar Cheh Khana, Preedy Street, Tibet Chowk, Boulton Market, Bombay Bazaar, Kharadar and Nawab Mahabat Khanji, under tight security arrangements by the government.

Before the commencement of the main procession, an Alam was taken out from the Shah-e-Najaf Imambargah on Martin Road that reached the Nishtar Park at around 9am.

Acclaimed scholar Allama Shahenshah Naqvi addressed the Nishtar Park Central Majlis, and shed light on the life of Imam Hussain and various aspects of Karbala tragedy. He said Imam Hussain and his faithful companions rendered their precious lives on the soil of Karbala for the sake of restoration of the core human values and justice.

Walkthrough gates were installed at several entry points. Various medical camps and sabeels (water stalls) were set up along the route of the procession while strict security arrangements were put in place. More than 5000 police personnel were deployed on security duty while a large contingent of Rangers personnel was also part of the security arrangements.

Snipers were also posted on the rooftops of high rise buildings along the route, while the procession was monitored through CCTV cameras from the central command and control centre.

Helicopters were flying over the procession route to ensure aerial surveillance. The route of the main procession was secured with placement of cargo containers.

The Bomb Disposal Squad checked stores along the route for any explosive devices.

Cellular services remained partially suspended along the procession route, and pillion riding was banned in connection with the Chehlum, however the pillion riding ban did not apply to women, children, journalists and law enforcement officials.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020