The 'Chehlum' of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) was observed on Saturday with religious spirit, devotion and respect amid tight security arrangements in the federal capital.

The main procession was taken out from Markazi Imambargah located in Sector G-6/2 and culminated at main Imambargah in the evening after passing through its traditional route. A large number of mourners including men, women and children participated in the procession.

All the processions culminated peacefully and no untoward incident was reported either during the gatherings (Majalis) or mourning processions.

During the sermons, the religious leaders highlighted the significance of the day and sacrifices rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS). The participants also observed 'zanjirzani' on the occasion to commemorate sacrifices of the martyrs of Karbala.

The capital police made stringent security arrangements, especially at venue of main procession as well as across the city. The participants entering Markazi Imambargah were checked and body-searched at three different stages by police and the scouts.

The city police adopted three-tier security plan to counter any possible terrorist attack on the occasion. All the roads and streets leading to Sector G-6 to were sealed to ensure security and special squad of the bomb disposal unit and fire brigade were deputed at the venue.

Under the security plan, no one was allowed to stand on the rooftop of commercial and residential buildings situated along the routes of mourning processions. The district administration put on high-alert all the hospitals including Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Polyclinic and Capital Hospital in the city. Ambulances and firefighting vehicles were also deployed on the main route. Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) also chalked out traffic plan to facilitate the citizens and road users.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019