The main mourning procession of the 9th of Muharram-ul-Haram in Karachi commenced from Nishtar Park and concluded peacefully at the Husseiniya Irania Imambara Kharadar in District South on Thursday, amid stringent security arrangements. The procession was continuously monitored from a Command and Control Room, according to a spokesperson for the South Zone Police, Karachi.
Procession Route and Monitoring
The procession followed its designated route and ended at Imambargah Hussainiya, Iranian Kharadar. Before the procession began, a Majlis was held at Nishtar Park, addressed by prominent scholar Allama Syed Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi. Participants offered Namaz-e-Zohrain at Imam Bargah Ali Raza, near Naumaish Chowrangi on M.A. Jinnah Road.
Security Measures
Extraordinary and foolproof security arrangements were made by the Sindh Police in collaboration with the Sindh Rangers. The Bomb Disposal Squad was also deployed. Over 6,500 police officers and personnel were assigned to secure the procession and sensitive locations, with strict checking on internal and external routes. Additional IG Karachi Azad Khan, along with the DIG South, reviewed the routes and security arrangements.
The procession was monitored from control rooms established at Soldier Bazar and Preedy police stations, with security cameras installed along the route. Roads were sealed off with containers, and special surveillance was conducted on high-rise buildings.
Traffic and Public Arrangements
M.A. Jinnah Road was closed for traffic, and vehicles were diverted to alternative routes announced by Karachi Traffic Police to ensure smooth flow. Sabeel (free meal and water stalls) and rescue organization stalls were set up along the route to facilitate mourners.
