The day of martyrdom of fourth pious caliph of Islam Hazrat Ali (AS) is being observed throughout the country today with religious reverence, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday. 

In this connection, mourning processions will be taken out in different cities of the country, including Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Kamalia, Rawalpindi, Islamabad Peshawar Quetta and others.  

Strict security measures have been put in place in Lahore as over 5, 000 police personnel have been tasked with guarding the mourning processions.

DIG Operations Dr. Abid Khan has told media that as many as 10 SPs, 25 DSPs, 80 SHOs and 208 lady constables have been deputed at different points on the routes of processions. 

Dr. Abid has informed that 258 streets located on the main procession’s five-kilometer long route have been completely fenced with barbed wires. 

DIG operations went on to add that snipers had taken their positions on 121 rooftops situated on the route, while the cellphone services will remain suspended in specific areas. 

“The main procession will be taken out from Mubarak Haveli and culminate at Karbala Game Shah,” he has said, and has added that people sitting in the Safe City Authority and Deputy Commissioner office’s Control Rooms will keep monitoring the situation.  

Dr. Abid has further said that people will be allowed to join the processions only after having been properly checked with the help of metal detectors and made to pass through walkthrough gates. “Besides police personnel, secret agencies’ officials will also perform duties,” he explained.      

Earlier, a Majlis was held at city’s Mubarak Haveli prior to the start of the main procession.  

A Majlis was held at Karachi’s Nishtar Park which will be followed by the main procession.

Reporters: Hassan Khalid, Baseem Iftikhar and Yasir Majeed