The chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his fellow martyrs of Karbala is being observed across the country today with religious zeal, as processions have been taken out in various cities across the country and the believers are observing rituals associated with the day.
In Lahore, the main chehlum procession was taken out from Delhi Gate. To ensure security of the procession, 7,000 police personnel have been deputed.
The police say that all shops and markets along the route of the procession have been shut down, while Rangers personnel have been depute at sensitive points.
Participants are being allowed to enter the main procession after crossing through four checkpoints, the police said. More than 1,000 traffic officers and wardens have been tasked with security duties.
The traffic police said all the roads leading up to the procession route have been closed for traffic. Citizens have been advised not to travel unnecessarily to Circular Road and Lower Mall.
The entire procession will be monitored through CCTV cameras. Drones and pillion riding have also been banned on the procession route.
In Hafizabad, the main procession as taken out from the main bazaar. CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor the procession while the roads have been sealed.
In Rawalpindi, the main procession emerged from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Teli Mohalla. A large number of mourners are participating in the procession reciting nohas and flagellating.
The procession will reach Imambargah Colonel Maqbool where it will be joined by smaller processions from other areas. The main procession will culminate at Imambargah Qadeemi at night.
In Hyderabad, the chehlum procession will emerge after Zuhr prayers from Qadam Gah Maula Ali and culminate at Karbala Dadan Shah. The route is lined with the traditional sabeels for the mourners.
In Faisalabad, five SPs, 10 DSPs and more than 1,800 officials have been deputed for the security of the main chehlum procession. The route is being monitored through drones and the Elite Force is also on standby.
