Imam Hussain, his companions paid homage on Chehlum

The main procession of the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala culminated peacefully after passing through its traditional routes amid tight security on Monday.

The clerics and other participants kept paying homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions by reciting Marsiyas throughout the procession to commemorate the great sacrifices of the martyrs.

Small processions were also held in different parts of the city that later joined the main procession that issued from the Nishtar Park after the Majlis-e-Aza, which was addressed by Allama Shahenshah Naqvi.

Earlier, Allama Naqvi highlighted the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) during his address in the Majlis-e-Aza, which was attended by a large number of people, including women and children.

After the Majlis-e-Aza the mourners left the Nishtar Park and offered the Zohrain prayers at Imambargah-e-Ali Raza on MA Jinnah Road. Passing through its traditional routes, the procession culminated peacefully at the Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.

Strict security arrangements were made in Karachi for the Chehlum procession. For the security of the procession, shops and markets in the MA Jinnah Road, Saddar, Empress Market, Merewether Tower and Kharadar areas were sealed.

All the streets along the procession routes were blocked with containers, with strict their monitoring by the police and Rangers. Karachi police chief Addl IGP Javed Alam Odho said that foolproof security arrangements were made for the procession.

Odho said that additional CCTV cameras were installed for monitoring the routes. Rangers officials were also deployed for the security of the procession, he added. He said that surveillance around the Chehlum procession was made extraordinary, with snipers deployed on high-rises.

Issuing directives to his subordinates, he emphasised ensuring security at the central mosques, Imambargahs and other locations. He instructed all the SHOs to intensify patrolling, snap checking and picketing in their respective jurisdictions.

He also said that security should be kept on high alert at all sensitive and important installations, public places, and important government and private buildings.

Surveillance and checking should be organised and effective at entry and exit points, he added. He also ordered the bomb disposal squad to ensure sweeping and clearance of all important locations. The city police chief mentioned that 5,099 police officials were deployed for security, while roads and routes leading to the main procession routes were completely sealed.

Sindh Rangers Director General Maj Gen Azhar Waqas visited Karachi, and instructed the use of human intelligence and advanced technical resources for the security of the Chehlum procession. According to the Rangers spokesperson, the DG reviewed the security arrangements, and also visited the Rangers’ command & control centre, where the area sector commander provided a detailed briefing on the security measures in place.

The monitoring process using CCTV cameras on the routes adjacent to the procession was also reviewed. The DG inspected the main procession route in the MA Jinnah Road, Tibet Centre, Regal Chowk and Light House areas, as well as the surrounding areas.

Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said that the priorities of the contingency plan should be focused on the security arrangements for the Chehlum processions and congregations. “The security measures from the Nishtar Park to the Hussainian Iranian Imambargah must be made exceptional in every respect. Our priority should be to strengthen inter-district coordination to ensure a peaceful and secure Chehlum from Karachi to Kashmore.”

Lanjar also instructed that religious leaders from various sects and all schools of thought should come together on a single platform to play their individual and collective roles in maintaining peace.

He said that central processions, smaller gatherings and congregations must receive comprehensive security coverage through joint efforts. Intelligence operations around the main procession routes should be enhanced, and bomb disposal squads must be deployed, he added.

He emphasised the need for effective patrolling and snap checking to cover major mosques, Imambargahs and other important locations. He directed all the district SSPs to take personal responsibility for ensuring security, and instructed SDPOs and SHOs to be present in their respective areas during the Chehlum observance.

He visited the Central Police Office, and also stopped by the main command & control centre and the Sindh Smart Surveillance System (S-4) room. He reviewed the monitoring measures for the security arrangements.

He then gave further instructions to the officers at the command & control centre, stressing on following the smallest observations in the security monitoring process. He emphasised increasing intelligence, and ensuring timely police response to counter any subversive activities.

Sindh police chief IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon said that special focus was being given to monitoring the head, tail, middle and surrounding areas of the main procession.

Memon said work on the S-4 system is under way, adding that facial recognition cameras installed in the S-4 system are an example of advanced policing against crime. He said that all toll plazas are being monitored. He urged the public not to pay attention to rumours or react to them. Instead, he advised, they should seek guidance from the police and other law enforcement agencies.