The Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) observed Saturday across the country with religious fervor to remember the prime sacrifices rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) — grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) — and his companions for the cause of Islam, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Law enforcement agencies made fullproof security measures in provincial capitals Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi, Quetta and Islamabad. 

Processions were taken out for Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) Chehlum in various cities and towns of the country.

The Federal government also deployed Army troops and personnel of civil armed forces to maintain law and order. The Interior Ministry also set up Central Control Room to monitor the overall security situation.

Army deployed 

The federal government has deployed army in all four provinces to prevent any incident of terrorism on the occasion of Imam Husain’s Chehlum today (Saturday).

The Interior Ministry said in a notification, “The federal government, in excise of powers conferred under Article 245 of the Constitution is pleased to authorise the deployment of Army troops/assets and civil armed forces troops under Section 4(3)(i) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 in all provinces including AJK, GB and ICT on Chehlum 2022.”

“Further, additional Army/CAF troops/assets requirement may also be worked out on need basis during deployment period by the respective provincial governments,” the notification added.

The orders have been forwarded to the heads of all the provincial governments.

In Karachi, the central procession would be taken out from Nishtar Park, which would pass through its traditional route and would culminate at Husanian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.

All roads leading to the procession route would be closed for traffic, while a ban has been imposed on pillion-riding.

Peshawar

The main procession was taken out from Zuljinah Bargah in Akhwindabad mohala Nobajri, Chruch Road inside Koati at 2pm. The main procession passed through its traditional routes and culminated at the starting point. 

Also, main mourning gathering was held at Imam Bargah Alamdar Karbala Kucha Risaldar at Qisa Khwani.

Lahore

The main procession in metropolis Lahore was taken out from Haveli Alif Shah Delhi Gate that culminated at night at Imambargah Gamay Shah.

The provincial Home department has set up a monitoring room led by Additional Secretary Internal Security Usman Khalid to review the chehlum processions. The control room monitored Section implementation on the procession routes. 

Punjab IG issued R180 million funds for security on the chehlum processions for across the province including Rs3 million for Lahore Police. 

The funds were utilized to provide food and water to the security personnel on duty. 

Police said that 42,000 police personnel have been deployed to guard chehlum processions and on the eve of urs of Hazrat Data Gunj Baksh. 

Lahore CCPO Ghulam Mehmood Dogar said that over 80,000 police personnel were deployed to guard the 

Sukkur 

Over 40 mourning procession were taken out in Hyderabad part of the city and also various mourning procession were taken out from different city of Hyderabad district including Khandra, Pannu Aqil and Saleh Pat. 

The main procession in Hyderabad was taken out from Imam Bargah Gharib Abad while Rohri city main procession was taken out from Karbala ground in city. 

LAEs made fullproof security arrangements as police personnel have deployed. 

Islamabad, Rawalpindi 

In Rawalpindi main mourning procession of Zuljinah Alam and Tazia was taken out from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain Taili. 

In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, snipers were deployed on rooftops while streets, roads and routes. Walk-through gates were also installed at the entry point of the procession and people were allowed to enter after body search.

The main procession in Islamabad was taken out from G-6/2 and after Friday prayers and concluded at the starting point.  

Karachi 

The main procession of port city Karachi was taken out from Nishter Park and following the traditional routes from MA Jinnah Road, Parady Street, Bolten Market, Kaharadar, it reached Hussaina Irania. 

Police SSU and LAEs made full proof security measures. Around 3,000 police personnel and officers are deployed while 375 officers and personnel performed their duties as Rapid Response Force.

Reporters Amir Shehzad, Qaiser Khokhar, Saud Bin Murtaza, Irfan Malik, Saud Bin Murtaza, Javed Malik