KARACHI: Security has been beefed up across the province and more than 50,000 policemen and Rangers personnel have been deployed to provide security for the main Ashura processions in all major cities and towns of Sindh, particularly Karachi, on Sunday (today).

The government has decided to partially suspend cellular services in the areas that fall on the route of the Ashura processions.

On Saturday, 9th Muharram mourning processions culminated peacefully in various cities amid tightened security and deep religious devotion to commemorate the martyrs of Karbala.

In Karachi, the main mourning procession was taken out from Nishtar Park after the main majlis. It proceeded along designated routes under heavy police presence. Other processions emerged from various imambargahs, including Bab-i-Fatima Imam­bargah.

Cellular services were suspended along the procession routes and certain roads and streets were blocked or diverted to manage traffic flow.

The Sindh government also imposed a ban on pillion riding in major cities of the province.

MA Jinnah Road in Karachi was closed to traffic and markets and shops in areas like Saddar, Empress Market and Regal Market were sealed as the main mourning procession passed through the major artery and culminated at Hussainiya Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.

Over 49,600 police personnel have been deployed across major cities in the province.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2025