‘Imam Hussain’s mission distinctly unique, revolutionary in nature’

To pay homage to the martyrs of Karbala, the main mourning procession of 8th Muharram in Karachi passed through its traditional route and culminated at the Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in the Kharadar neighbourhood on Monday evening.

Smaller processions issued from Ancholi in Federal B Area, Pehlwan Goth in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Jafar-e-Tayyar Society in Malir, Old Rizvia Society, New Rizvia Society, Qasba Colony, Abbas Town and Soldier Bazaar.

The smaller processions later joined the main procession at the Nishtar Park, from where the rally proceeded through its traditional route. A large number of people, including women and children, participated in the central procession.

The central gathering at the Nishtar Park began with noted Shia scholar Taqi Mehdi addressing the attendees. He highlighted the matchless sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). He said the mission of Imam Hussain (RA) is distinctly unique and revolutionary in nature.

Later, under the guidance of Masoom Haider Naqvi, the procession left the Nishtar Park. The Abul Hassan Scouts led the mourning procession. Medical camps set up by various organisations provided assistance to the participants.

The procession passed through Numaish and Tibet Centre before making a stop at the Napier Road Imambargah, from where it continued forward and ended at Kharadar’s the Hussainian Iranian Imambargah.

All the roads and streets along the procession route were sealed with containers and tents for added security. CCTV cameras were installed and sharpshooters were positioned on high-rises to ensure continuous surveillance. A police spokesperson said that complete security is being provided to the mourners participating in the Muharram processions and gatherings.

Containers were placed on MA Jinnah Road, Corridor-III and various locations in Saddar to secure the route. The Orange Line and the Green Line bus services in the city would remain suspended from 8th Muharram to 10th Muharram.

Stringent security measures have been implemented across Karachi and throughout Sindh in connection with Muharram. To further enhance and ensure the security, the Sindh Rangers and police conducted a joint flag march in various parts of Karachi.

A Rangers spokesperson said the flag march took place at Khatm-e-Nabuwat Chowk, Abbas Town, Abul Hasan Ispahani Road, Nipa Chowrangi, Hussain Hazara Goth, Bolan Sajji, Jauhar Chowrangi, Millennium Mall, Stadium Road, Shabbirabad, Bahadurabad, University Road, New Sabzi Mandi Road, Dawood Chowrangi, Liaquatabad and Malir among other areas.

During the flag march, important Imambargahs and the procession route were inspected. Rangers’ snipers were deployed on high-rises along the main procession route. Clearance of the main procession route was conducted with the help of sniffer dogs.

Strict monitoring of entry and exit points throughout the province is being carried out, with suspicious vehicles being searched. Additional personnel have been deployed at the city’s entry and exit points, according to the Rangers spokesperson.

East Zone police chief DIG Ghulam Azfar Mahesar and District East police chief SSP Dr Farrukh Raza reviewed the routes and security arrangements for the 8th Muharram procession. DIG Mahesar and SSP Raza inspected the security arrangements and routes for the procession at the Nishtar Park. The Jamshed Division SP was also present on the occasion, and provided a comprehensive briefing regarding security and the routes.

The SSP met with all the officers and personnel, instructing them to perform their duties diligently. Mobile phone service was also suspended along the main procession route. The Karachi police have also issued a Muharram security plan. Their spokesperson said that 17,947 officials have been deployed for security during Muharram. He said that 1,049 processions and 4,664 Majalis are being held this year, while 4,392 officials would perform security duties for Majalis and 11,628 for processions.

Moreover, he added, 1,927 officials would perform security duties at the most sensitive places, while 987 traffic police officials would also be present for Muharram duty. Separately, addressing the 8th Muharram Majlis at the Quran Centre in Defence, renowned religious scholar Allama Shabbir Hassan Meesmi said the Quran contains explanations of everything. He said the Quran is the miracle given to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who conveyed every command of the Quran to the people.

He also said the Prophet (PBUH) conveyed that “I am leaving among you two weighty things: the Quran and my Ahle Bait.” Therefore, the scholar pointed out, it should be understood that the secret of the Muslims’ honour and success lies in following the Quran and the Ahle Bait.

He said that the greatest message of Karbala is to voice one’s concerns against the system of oppression and tyranny. Imam Hussain (RA) is the heartbeat of every freedom-loving person until the Day of Judgment, he added.