The annual procession of Youm-e-Ali, marking the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (RA), has commenced from Mubarak Haveli in the historic Mochi Gate. The procession is set to culminate at Karbala Gamay Shah at the time of Iftar.
Participants in the main procession are scheduled to pause and offer Namaz-e-Zuhrain at Rang Mahal Chowk.
Robust security measures have been adopted, with over 5,000 personnel deployed along the route to ensure the safety of the participants and spectators. Authorities have taken pre-emptive steps, closing markets along the procession route and implementing stringent security checks for those entering, according to the police.
The participants of the procession have been allowed to enter only after thorough checking, police said.
The Mochi Gate, Delhi Gate, and Akbari Gate have been closed to traffic, with containers, barriers, and barbed wire fortifying adjacent roads. Walk-through gates have been erected to facilitate the entry of pilgrims, while surveillance was beefed up with the installation of 180 cameras to monitor the procession's progress.
Moreover, over 16,000 police personnel have been mobilized to manage the 192 majalis expected to take place during the day.
SSP (Security) Abdul Wahab Jadoon has said that police personnel are stationed at the buildings falling on the route of the procession. He has advised participants in the procession to carry their identification documents. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to the Walled City area.
Meanwhile, in Multan, 12 processions will be taken out on Youm-e-Ali, while 15 majalis have been scheduled. The main procession has left Chah Boharwala, which is proceeding towards its fixed routes.
More than 1,800 policemen have been deployed for the security of the processions on the martyrdom day of Hazrat Ali (RA), observed on 21st Ramazan.
In Karachi, the main procession will be taken out from Nishtar Park at 1pm, for which strict security arrangements have been made. Reportedly, over 5,000 police and Rangers personnel have been deployed for security of Youm-e-Ali processions and events.
The procession will be closely monitored by CCTV cameras, while containers have been placed on the procession routes in the streets from Chorangi to Kharadar. Expert snipers have been deployed on high-rise buildings falling on the route of the procession, while adjoining market and streets have been sealed.
The procession will pass through its designated routes and culminate at Hussainiya Iranain. Strict arrangements have been made for the security of the procession.
