KARACHI: All proces­sions to mark Chehlum of Imam Husain concluded peacefully across Sindh amid tight security arrangements on Tuesday.

In Karachi, the main mourning procession taken out from Nishtar Park safely reached its destination in the evening amid strict security measures. It was taken out after the 20th Safar majlis held at Nishtar Park, passed through several areas along its traditional route and reached Kharadar after sunset.

Men, women and children participating in the procession marched to reach Imambargah Husainian Iranian in Kharadar. Another procession taken out from Imambargah Shahi-Najaf, Martin Quarters, joined the main procession at the Nishtar Park.

The mourning participants offered Zohrain prayers on M.A. Jinnah Road when the procession led by the Hyderi, Wahdat and Bu Tarab Scouts reached Imambargah Ali Raza.

A comprehensive security plan was in place for the procession. All roads and streets leading to the route of the procession were blocked while shops along the route were sealed by a special team of police officials.

The MA Jinnah Road remained closed from Guru Mandir to Tower. Traffic police provided alternate routes for commuters travelling through Karachi’s South, Central and East districts.

The Karachi police said that 7,465 police officers and personnel were deployed for security duty at 108 processions, 2,901 at 501 majalis, and 1,113 at 642 imambargahs on Chehlum, with a total deployment of 11,479 officers and personnel all over the city.

In Hyderabad, thousands of mourners marched to the Qadam Gah Maula Ali from various parts of Hyderabad and its adjoining towns on Tuesday to observe the chehlum with solemnity and religious reverence.

The central procession in Hyderabad was organised by the Anjuman Imamiya Sindh from the Qadam Gah Maula Ali, led by Sadiq Mirza, Kashif Shah, and other community leaders. Accompanied by tabarukat and zuljinah, the mourners performed self-flagellation along the route. While the procession traditionally concludes at Karbala Dadan Shah, today it ended before Dadan Shah.

Mourners from several surrounding cities reached the Qadam Gah Maula Ali on foot, with many walking barefoot. Volunteers from various social organisations set up sabeels and stalls along the route to provide food, water and juices to the participants. Consequently, vehicular traffic remained suspended on main Thandi Sarak and the Cantonment graveyard road throughout the day.

Commercial areas, including the Saddar market and bazaars along the procession route, remained completely shut for security reasons. A multi-tiered security ring was maintained, with Pakistan Rangers personnel deployed alongside police units and the Bomb Disposal Squad.

Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements were put in place outside the nearby shrine of Mian Sarfaraz Kalhoro Shaheed Baba near Karbala Dadan Shah, which witnessed a massive gathering of women participating in the traditional pallay bharaee ritual coinciding with the chehlum. Women from various districts of Sindh began arriving at the shrine early in the morning to offer prayers and fulfill vows (mannat), returning after sunset.

In Shaheed Benazirabad, the main chehlum procession emerged from the Murtazvi Imambargah in Mohni Bazaar. It passed through its traditional route and Nawabshah House before moving to Gol Chakra, where matam was performed. The procession then proceeded to Imambargah Maqbool-ul-Uloom in Essarpura for a majlis, before returning to the Murtazvi Imambargah, where a concluding majlis was held.

More than 2,500 police personnel were deployed along the routes and around imambargahs across the district to ensure safety. Similar processions were taken out in Naushahro Feroze, Sanghar, Qazi Ahmed, Kandiaro, Daur, Shahdadpur, and other adjoining towns.

In Badin district, the chehlum was observed in Badin city, Tando Bago, Matli, Golarchi, Talhar and surrounding areas. Carrying alams and zuljinah, the main procession emerged from the Kashyana-i-Zainab Imambargah and terminated at the same location after traversing its designated routes.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Badin Qamar Raza Jiskani stated that 1,585 police personnel, including female officers, constables, and traffic wardens, were deployed to safeguard 13 majalis and 15 azadari processions across the district under a specialized security plan.

Mohammad Hussain Khan in Hyderabad, Zulfiqar Memon in Nawabshah and Mohammad Hashim Khan Bhurgari also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2026