Mourning processions to mark Chehlum are under way in Karachi on Tuesday amid heavy security after departing Nishtar Park at 1pm, according to the police.

Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen (40 in Arabic), marks the 40th day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is marked by processions by Shia Muslims across the country.

In another update at 4:50pm, the police said the front of the main procession had reached Eidgah Chowk, while its tail was at Britto Road, en route to Hussainia Iranian Imambargah.

Earlier today, in a press release, the police said MA Jinnah Road would be closed from Guru Mandir to Tower. Traffic police provided alternate routes for commuters travelling through Karachi’s South, Central and East districts.

“People coming from Nazimabad may travel via Lasbela Chowk, then Nishtar Road through Garden, to reach their destinations,” the press release read, outlining alternate routes for commuters in Central district.

“Those coming from Liaquatabad should proceed from Teen Hatti to Lasbela Chowk, then turn left towards Central Jail (Martin Road) to reach their destinations.”

It added that commuters travelling from Hassan Square towards PP Chowrangi could use Kashmir Road, then Society Light Signal on Shahrah-i-Quaideen, before continuing via the Jail Flyover to Teen Hatti and then proceeding to Nishtar Road.

Meanwhile, commuters in Karachi East travelling from Sharea Faisal towards Numaish via Shahrah-i-Quaideen were advised to turn right at Society Light Signal onto Kashmir Road and continue to their destinations.

“People travelling from Central Jail Gate (Jamshed Road) toward Guru Mandir/MA Jinnah Road should proceed from Guru Mandir via Bahadur Yar Jang Road and Soldier Bazaar to reach their destinations,” the advisory adds.

Those in Karachi South travelling from Garden Zoo towards MA Jinnah Road were instructed to proceed via Uncle Saria, turn right towards Gul Plaza, and then turn left via the Coast Guard and Holy Family Hospital to reach their destinations.

Karachi’s Additional Inspector General (IG) Javed Alam said in a statement on Monday that 7,465 police officers and personnel would be deployed for security duty at 108 processions, 2,901 at 501 majalis, and 1,113 at 642 imambargahs on Chehlum, for a total deployment of 11,479 officers and personnel.

“All roads intersecting the route of Karachi’s main procession will remain completely closed, and extraordinary measures have also been taken around Nishtar Park,” he added.

According to the Additional IG, all station house officers were instructed to remain present in their respective areas, intensify patrolling, snap checking, and picketing, and ensure high alert security at sensitive installations, public places, and key government and private buildings.