The Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions, was observed on Friday amid tight security arrangements across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Thousands of mourners participated in a number of mourning processions brought out in Peshawar, Naushera, Hangu, Parachinar, Tank, and DI Khan. Strict security measures had been ensured as wireless internet and mobile services have been suspended from 12 pm till late night. Whereas section 144 clamped down in sensitive districts of the province, due to which pilling riding has been banned in Peshawar and other cities.
A complete body search was carried by Imamia volunteers of those people entering the mourning processions. Walk through gates were also installed at entry and exit points. On the other hand, processions were taken out every nook and corner to mark 40th day of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in Karbala. Police personnel have ensured all security compiled with several shops and bazaars in the walled city were sealed. Qissa Khawani and Khyber Bazaar cordoned off and barricades were placed at their entry and exit points.
Similarly, large number of police was deployed in the inner-city and cantonment areas to provide foolproof security to the mourning processions. Besides, security at entry and exit points in Peshawar had been also strengthen with deployment of more cops.
In Peshawar, the main mourning procession was brought out from Kocha Risaldar. The participants of the procession after passing through traditional routes reached at Kabuli Chowk and returned to the Imambargah via Qissa Khawani bazaar where a mourning gathering was held that was addressed by scholars. The speakers enlightened the life and sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
In Cantonment area, the mourning procession was taken out from Imambargah Hussainia Hall. The participants of the procession marched on the main Saddar road, and concluded at same location. All the roads leading to the routes of the processions had been closed. Later, procession was also emerged from Gulbahar, and Poranwali, area in the provincial capital.
A series of peaceful processions were taken out in district Hangu. The main procession was brought out from Mohallah Saidan and concluded peacefully at Qaumi Imambargah Pas Kalay after passing through its designated routes. The district administration took strict security measures to avoid any untoward incidents on the occasion. Consequently, all routes of the processions were covered with barbed wires and entry points of routes of process and the Imambargah were sealed.
In Bannu, the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) was observed in a peaceful manner. The district administration introduced a series of security measures. A large number of police personnel were deputed on the processions routes and section 144 was imposed to ensure that the situation does not spiral out of control. Similarly, peaceful mourning processions were held in DI Khan. The police devised a foolproof security plan for the Chehlum Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) to ensure no untoward incident took place on the occasion. Pilling riding was strictly banned in the district. A series of Chehlum processions and programmes were held throughout the city and adjoining villages.