The Chehlum – that ends the 40-day mourning period commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husain(AS) in the battle of Karbala – is being observed today (Sunday) with religious fervour, due reverence and solemnity across Pakistan.
Strict security measures have been formulated and implemented in many urban cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Quetta. Special arrangements are made in the cities regarding civic facilities and security by law enforcement and local administration, including a heavy deployment of police, suspension of mobile phone services and a ban on pillion riding.
Mourning processions are scheduled to be taken out in various major cities with the participation of thousands of mourners.
Mobile services will also be suspended along the routes of processions taken out in various cities, owing to security concerns.
Traffic police have been directed to make alternative route plan for the public to ensure smooth flow of traffic on roads of the cities during processions.
All the small roads and lanes leading to the routes of Chehlum processions will be blocked to stop unwanted entry.
Walk through gates have been installed at several entry points of the Chehlum processions and the monitoring of the procession would be done through CCTV cameras.
Strict security measures are made to prevent any untoward incident as police, rangers and gents scouts are deployed along the routes of the processions. Sabeels (stalls for refreshment drinks) will be set up as per years old tradition.
Officials of Rescue 1122 and health department would remain alert during the course of processions.
