RAWALPINDI:
The twin cities are set to witness six major mourning processions on Friday as Shia Muslims mark the Chehlum of Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala, with the administration rolling out one of the most extensive security operations in recent years.
Authorities have sealed all key routes from 1am on Thursday night, suspended metro bus services, and ordered a complete shutdown of mobile and internet networks during the day. Around 8,500 police personnel have been deployed, while Rangers and army units remain on high alert. Drone surveillance and over 500 CCTV cameras will monitor the gatherings, with several points along the routes declared highly sensitive.
The first procession will set off at 12:30pm from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Teeli Mohalla, reaching the central Imambargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain by 1:30pm. Other processions will depart from Imambargah Hifazat Ali Shah at 2:30pm, Imambargah Shaheedan-e-Karbala (Tyre Bazaar) at 4:45pm, Imambargah Darbar Shah Chan Charagh at 3:30pm, and Imambargah Baltistaniya at 1:00pm. All will converge at Imambargah Qadeem around midnight, passing through Murree Road, Committee Chowk, Iqbal Road, Fawara Chowk, Raja Bazaar, and adjoining areas.
To ensure safety, Section 144 has been enforced, shutting all markets, plazas, and mosques along the procession routes. Residents have been barred from watching from rooftops, balconies, or windows. Entry points will be secured with walk-through gates, and attendees will be searched at three separate layers of security. Double riding on motorcycles has been banned, and all parking spaces and construction materials have been cleared from the vicinity.
Mounted police, female officers, and armed commandos will be stationed along the routes, including on rooftops in high-risk zones such as the two-furlong stretch from Fawara Chowk to Dangi Khoi. The area will be under direct supervision of senior city officials throughout the day.
Water stations, tea stalls, and medical camps have been set up for mourners, with congregational prayers for Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha scheduled along the way. Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate fully with security personnel to ensure a peaceful and safe observance of the solemn occasion.
