KARACHI: All Chehlum processions taken out across Sindh on Friday to mark the 40th day to the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions at Kerbala safely reached their destinations amid tight security measures.

In Karachi, main Chehlum procession taken out from Nishtar Park safely reached its destination. The administration had suspended cellular service and banned pillion-riding to ensure foolproof security to mourners.

The participants in the procession covered about 15 kilometres on foot to reach Imambargah Husainian Iranian in Khara­dar. Another procession which was taken out from Imambargah Shah-i-Najaf joined the main procession at Nishtar Park.

Police had blocked all roads and streets leading to the route of the procession by placing containers, parking buses and trucks and sealing all shops on both sides of the road.

A spokesman for Sindh police said that over 17,900 policemen along with Rangers personnel were deployed for the security of the processions in Karachi.

HYDERABAD: Chehlum of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions was observed with religious fervour amid tight security.

The city’s main procession emerged from Qadam Gah Maula Ali and passed through its traditional route which was completely sealed off with barbed wires up till Karbala Dadan Shah where the procession was to end.

The mourners bearing Zuljanah, replicas of mausoleums of Imam Hussain (RA) and coffins of martyrs marched amid tight security of Rangers and police.

Earlier, a majlis was held at Qadam Gah Maula Ali which was addressed by Allama Gulfam Hussain Hashmi. The procession’s route remained closed for general public and traffic throughout the day.

DSP two SHOs suspended over negligence

Police authorities suspended DSP Dost Mohammad Mangrio and SHOs of City and Seri police stations, Tahir Mughal and Shaukat Mangrio, respectively, for negligence in duty during the movement of central procession.

The action was taken over reports members of general public sneaked into barbed routes of processions and it was taken as a breach of security.

SUKKUR: Chehlum processions taken out in different towns of upper Sindh amid foolproof security arrangements safely reached their destinations.

The city’s main procession emerged from central Imambargah which marched on different roads before returning to the starting point where scholars delivered sermons. Many small processions were brought out in Old Sukkur, Shikarpur, Military Road, Shamsabad and other areas which later merged into the main procession.

Similar processions were taken out in Rohri, Kandhkot, Mirpur Mathelo, Kandhra, Salehpat, Pano Akil, Khanpur Mahar, Thull, Jacobabad and other towns. Luckily, no untoward or unpleasant incident took place during the day.

MIRPURKHAS: More than a dozen processions were taken out from different Imambargahs amid tight security to mark Chehlum of Imam Hussain (RA).

Hundreds of policemen and Rangers personnel stood alert along the route of processions to provide security to mourners.

Scholars delivered sermons at the conclusion of processions and shed light on the supreme sacrifice laid down by the grandson of the Prophet (peace be upon Him) and his family members.

Similar processions were taken out in Mirwah Gorchani, Digri, Tando Jan Mohammad, Jhuddo, Naokot, Kot Ghulam Mohammad and Jhilori and reached their destinations safely without any untoward incident occurring during the day.

BADIN: Chehlum processions were brought out from Imambargahs with religious zeal in Matli, Tando Ghulam Ali, Nindo Shahar, Tando Bago, Talhar, Kadhan, Golarchi and other small towns and villages of the district.

In Badin, the main procession emerged from Imambargah Kashyana Zainab and reached its destination safely where noted scholars, Syed Kousar Abbass Naqvi from Karachi, and Dr Mukhtiar Affray, delivered sermons and highlighted the supreme sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA).

MITHI: Several mourning processions were taken out in Mithi, Chhachhro, Islamkot, Diplo, Kaloi, Nagarparkar, Chelhar and other towns of Tharparkar district to mark Chehlum of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions.

The administration had taken tight security measures to provide security to the mourners and avert any untoward incident.

KHAIRPUR: The faithful observed Chehlum of Imam Hussain (RA) with religious zeal and fervor by taking out mourning processions amid tight security.

The processions safely reached their destinations where the mourners beat themselves with bare hands and chains to show their love for the family of the Prophet (PBUH).

NAWABSHAH: Main Chehlum procession of the city emerged from Murtazvi Imambargah and passed through its traditional route before safely returning to its starting point.

Strict security arrangements were made along both sides of the route. All streets connected with the route were blocked and cellular services remained suspended throughout the day.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2017