Rawalpindi announces holiday on account of Chehlum today

The Rawalpindi city administration has announced a public holiday today (Monday) on account of the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). 

A notification was also issued by the office of Rawalpindi's deputy commissioner, stating that holiday will be observed in Tehsil City, Tehsil Cantt and Tehsil Saddar of the garrison town. 

"I, Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi, declare local holiday in Tehsil City, Tehsil Cantt and Tehsil Saddar of District Rawalpindi on 26-08-2024 (Monday) due to Chehlum Process," states the notification.

However, institutions, departments and offices dealing with emergency and relief activities and other affiliated services will remain operational, according to the notification.

The Sindh government has also announced holiday for all public and private schools across the province on Monday on account of the Chehlum of Imam Hussain (RA).

Meantime, a ban on pillion-riding has also been imposed across the province, including Karachi, as part of security measures to avoid any untoward incident on the occasion.

In Lahore, special security arrangements have been made for the main procession, including six Elite teams, 12 Police Response Unit (PRU) teams and 17 Dolphin teams for patrolling at the 11 entry points.

Lady police officials will be deployed for the security of women mourners and visitors. Additionally, snipers will be stationed on top of buildings along the procession routes.

The ocassion will be marked with religious fervour across the country on August 26 amid tight security measures at the routes for processions in major cities.

Mourners will take out processions of Alam, Tazia, and Zuljinah in different cities across the country.

Chehlum marks the end of a 40-day mourning period after the martyrdom date of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his 72 companions in the battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram in 680AD.