KARACHI: Amid tight security, the main procession for Youm-i-Ali, a day that commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (RA), left from Nishtar Park on Monday afternoon.

The procession is headed towards Imambargah Hussainia Irania near Kakri Ground after the peaceful culmination of a Majlis attended by at least 2,000 people. Ali Raza and Bara Imambargah are also on the route.

The procession is expected to pass through MA Jinnah Road. The Sindh government has set up 19 diversion points around the route of the procession to accommodate the free flow of traffic. More than 9,000 police personnel will guard the procession.

Despite earlier decisions to suspend mobile phone services to curb remotely controlled explosives, this year the government decided not to shut down mobile networks.

The Sindh government on Saturday imposed a two-day ban on pillion riding in Karachi and Hyderabad in line with the security arrangements being made for Youm-i-Ali.

A notification issued by the home department said that the ban would remain in place for two days.