January 08, 2009	Thursday	Muharram 10, 1430

KARACHI, Jan 7: The 9th of Muharram procession started from Nishtar Park and, following its traditional route, ended at Imambargah Hussainian Iranian in Kharadar on Wednesday.

Tight security was maintained both at the start and end points of the procession as well as along the route.

Earlier, a Majlis was also held at Nishtar Park. The gathering was addressed by Allama Hasan Zafar Naqvi.

While on their way to the procession’s final destination, the participants offered Zuhar prayers at Tibet Centre.

The Rangers and Police were on high alert as the procession left Nishtar Park. Over 18,000 personnel of the Rangers and Police were on duty. They were deployed at Nishtar Park and along the procession route, as well as on the rooftops of important buildings. All entry and exit points along the route had been sealed with containers and no one was allowed to enter the procession midway through it.

The procession and Majlis were monitored at the control room set up at Nishtar Park. That control room was linked to the city government’s command and control centre at the Civic centre.

Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfikar Mirza issued directives that concerned SPs and SHOs would continue to remain with the processions taken out throughout the province on the 10th of Muharram. Particular attention would be paid to the main procession in Karachi.

He warned that no negligence or carelessness in the discharge of security duties would be tolerated.

He said the presence of Elite Forces personnel and plainclothes policemen would also be ensured, while the bomb disposal squad would accompany the main and other Muharram processions.—APP