KARACHI: The 9th Muharram processions taken out in all big and small cities of the province, including Karachi, on Tuesday concluded safely amid tight security.
In Karachi, the main procession was taken out from Nishtar Park and it culminated at Husainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar after passing through its traditional routes.
The participants in the main procession offered Zohrain prayers on M.A. Jinnah Road. Later, they staged a protest against Israeli atrocities in Gaza and expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the procession to review security arrangements.
Mr Lanjar ordered the police and allied agencies to ensure foolproof security for Ashura processions in the city on Wednesday (today).
The Karachi police chief and DIG-East briefed them about the security measures and said that procession routes had been completely sealed and made secure.
The home minister directed that snipers be posted atop buildings along the route of the main procession.
He said that security of majalis, mourning processions and other religious gatherings should be made foolproof.
Meanwhile, 59,638 policemen would be performing Ashua security duties in the six divisions of Sindh.
The Sindh police are said to have requested for 3,900 Rangers personnel for these divisions.
The government had already imposed a ban on pillion riding under Section 144 of the criminal procedure code.
Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2024