Chehlum processions underway amid heightened security

WEBDESK: Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala is being observed today under extensive security arrangements, with authorities deploying thousands of police personnel, Rangers and Pakistan Army troops, while traffic diversions have been enforced in major cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi and others.

Law enforcement agencies have tightened surveillance around processions, majalis and other religious gatherings, with additional personnel deployed at sensitive locations and along procession routes.

Punjab deploys Army, Rangers for security

The Punjab Home Department said 869 majalis and 494 processions are being held across the province to mark Chehlum.

On the recommendation of Punjab Police, the department requested assistance from the federal government, resulting in the deployment of 15 companies of the Pakistan Army and 28 companies of the Pakistan Rangers across 18 districts.

Troops have been stationed in Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Jhang, Pakpattan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan to reinforce security at sensitive procession routes and majalis venues.

Authorities said all necessary measures had been taken to maintain law and order during both the Chehlum observances and the annual Urs of Hazrat Ali bin Usman Hajveri (Data Ganj Bakhsh).

Rawalpindi enforces extensive traffic diversions

Rawalpindi’s City Traffic Police have deployed more than 310 officers and personnel to facilitate 11 Chehlum processions across the district.

Traffic has been diverted at 12 key locations, with several major roads closed during procession timings, including sections of Liaquat Road, City Saddar Road, Kashmiri Bazaar Road, Ganjmandi Road, Bagh Sardaran Road, Iqbal Road, Garden College Road, Asghar Mall Road, Fourth Road and Fifth Road.

Alternative routes have been designated from diversion points to minimise disruption, while additional traffic wardens have been posted to manage vehicle flow.

Chief Traffic Officer Farhan Aslam directed officers to strictly implement the traffic management plan in coordination with district police and urged commuters to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly on Murree Road, during procession hours.

Karachi closes MA Jinnah Road, deploys nearly 5,000 police personnel

Karachi Traffic Police have announced a comprehensive traffic plan for the city’s central Chehlum procession, which began from Nishtar Park at 9am and will conclude at Imambargah Hussainia Iranian in Kharadar.

Due to security arrangements, MA Jinnah Road from Guru Mandir to Tower has been closed to all traffic.

Authorities have issued detailed alternative routes for motorists travelling through District Central, East and South, while separate arrangements have been made for heavy vehicles entering the city.

No traffic, heavy or light, will be allowed beyond Guru Mandir towards the procession route, while only vehicles carrying authorised procession stickers will be permitted access through designated entry points.

Karachi Police have deployed 4,994 officers and personnel, supported by 139 police vehicles, rooftop snipers, CCTV monitoring teams, search and strike units, rapid response teams and security personnel at hospitals and alternative routes to ensure the peaceful observance of Chehlum.

Authorities appeal for public cooperation

Security officials have urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement personnel, follow designated traffic diversions and avoid unnecessary travel near procession routes.

Police, Rescue 1122, district administrations and other emergency services remain on high alert throughout the day to respond promptly to any emergency while ensuring the safe and peaceful observance of Chehlum across the country.

Islamabad placed high-security procession under tight guard

In Islamabad, authorities classified the Alam, Tazia and Zuljinnah procession on August 3 from Markazi Imambargah Asna-i-Ashri in G-6/2 as Category A (highly sensitive).

More than 1,748 security personnel, including 124 Rangers, had been deployed under a two-tier security arrangement, with police forming the first security cordon and Rangers providing secondary protection.

Participants underwent physical searches through walk-through gates and metal detectors before entering the procession route, which will remain completely closed to traffic.

Authorities also prohibited the display of weapons except by security personnel, while petrol pumps along the route remained closed. Mounted police, surveillance teams, anti-riot units, armoured personnel carriers, prison vans, water cannons and emergency response teams had also been deployed.