Chehlum processions culminate peacefully across Pakistan amid tight security

KARACHI/LAHORE/PESHAWAR/QUETTA: Thousands of mourners took part in Chehlum processions across Pakistan on Tuesday to commemorate the 40th day of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), with authorities reporting that the events concluded peacefully under extensive security arrangements.

The largest gatherings were held in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar and other major cities and towns, where police, Rangers and other security agencies deployed thousands of personnel, monitored processions through surveillance cameras and imposed traffic restrictions to ensure public safety.

In Karachi, the country’s largest Chehlum procession began from Nishtar Park after a religious gathering and moved along its traditional route before concluding at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in the Kharadar area.

Large numbers of mourners from across the city joined the procession, many walking long distances in keeping with the tradition of mourning.

Participants offered Zuhr and Asr prayers during the procession and paid tribute to Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala through elegies and mourning rituals.

Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho visited the procession route to review security arrangements, while senior police officials remained present throughout the event.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conclusion of Chehlum processions across the province and commended the Rangers, police and other law enforcement agencies for maintaining security.

He also thanked procession organisers, religious scholars and district administrations for their cooperation in ensuring the events passed without incident, according to a statement issued by his office.

In Lahore, mourning processions emerged from different parts of the city before converging along designated routes under tight security.

Authorities had established a central control room at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office to monitor the processions through a network of closed-circuit television cameras, while police, Rescue 1122 personnel and other emergency responders remained deployed along the routes.

Volunteers set up numerous stalls offering drinking water, food and refreshments to mourners, continuing a longstanding tradition of serving participants during Muharram commemorations.

In Quetta, two main Chehlum processions were taken out from Alamdar Road and Hazara Town under strict security measures.

The Alamdar Road procession comprised 21 mourning groups, while the Hazara Town procession included 22 groups, organisers said.

Mobile phone and internet services remained suspended in parts of the city as part of security precautions. Authorities said the processions concluded according to schedule without any major security incident.

In Peshawar, the central Chehlum procession started from Akhundabad Imambargah and returned to the same venue after passing through its designated route.

Police said extensive security arrangements had been put in place, including surveillance through CCTV cameras, additional checkpoints at entry and exit points to the city, and deployment of security personnel along the procession route.

Authorities also arranged traffic diversions to facilitate the movement of mourners, while volunteers distributed food and water to participants.

Chehlum marks the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his companions in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

Officials across the country said all major Chehlum processions concluded peacefully, with no major law and order incidents reported.