LAHORE(National times)- The Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S.), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the martyrs of Karbala is being observed with traditional reverence and respect in Lahore and across the country on Friday. Due to the Chehlum (Arbaeen) of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S.) and the final day of the Urs of the Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhash Ali Hajveri (R.A.), strict security measures have been implemented. Punjab Police is on high alert for the mourning processions, majalis and Urs. Inspector General Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has stated that strict arrangements have been ensured for the sacred events. He urged people of all sects to promote religious harmony and tolerance. He assured comprehensive security for majalis, mourning processions, and Urs ceremonies. Meanwhile, 644 majalis will be held and 392 mourning processions taken out to mark Chehlum of Karbala martyrs, for which more than 37,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed. Strict security measures have been adopted throughout the Punjab.
KARACHI
The main procession of Chehlum will be taken out at 1 pm from Nishtar Park. Police have sealed MA Jinnah Road and surrounding streets by placing containers for the security of the procession. Shops in markets along the procession route have been closed after scanning by the bomb disposal unit. Mobile phone service has been suspended in several areas of Karachi, and a ban has been imposed on pillion riding on motorcycles. More than 4,000 police personnel have been deployed for procession security. Section 144 has been enforced in the city, and a red alert has been issued across Sindh due to the security situation.
QUETTA
In the capital of Balochistan province, the main Chehlum procession will emerge from Imambargah Mominabad on Alamdar Road, which will be joined by 22 processions taken out from various parts of the city. For the protection of the procession, a force of 5,000 personnel from police, Balochistan Constabulary, and Frontier Corps (FC) has been deployed. The procession route is being monitored through CCTV cameras. The procession will conclude at Behesht-e-Zainab Cemetery, Hazara Town, via its traditional route. Another procession will emerge from Imambargah Wali-ul-Asr in Hazara Town and conclude at the Hazara Cemetery on the Western Bypass following its traditional route.
CELLULAR SERVICE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY SUSPENDED
The mobile phone service will remain suspended in various parts of Quetta today in view of security concerns on the occasion of the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). According to Balochistan Home Department, a letter has been dispatched to Federal Secretary, requesting the suspension of mobile services in the jurisdictions of Quaidabad, Brewery, and Gwalmandi police stations. The department said that the step has been taken in order to maintain peace in the city during Chehlum processions and to avoid any untoward incident. According to sources, the mobile phone service will remain suspended from 9:00am to 8:00pm.
