Youm-e-Ali (RA) processions amid tight security across country

KARACHI: The country is observing Youm-e-Ali (RA), the martyrdom day of Hazrat Ali (RA), as law enforcement agencies are observing strict security measures to avert any untoward situation in any part of the country, Geo News reported.

The mourning processions will follow the planned routes and finally gather at the pre-decided venues. Strict security is being observed throughout the processions routes while the district administrations have also installed CCTV cameras and search lights.

As part of security measure on Youm-e-Ali (RA), the government has instructed mobile phone companies to suspend their services in various cities of the country except Karachi, Hyderabad and Quetta.

The processions have already emerged from Mochi gate in Lahore and Multan while the main procession in Karachi will show up from Nishtar Park and will proceed through MA Jinnah Road, Tibet Centre, Jama Cloth Market, and will conclude at Hussainia Iranian Imam Bargah in Kharadar.

Several containers have been placed on the adjoining roads of MA Jinnah Road to block traffic and to secure the procession while securiity personnel have been deployed at the nearby high-rise buildings to guard the mourners.

Rangers, police, bomb disposal squad and officials of the special branch and other law enforcement agencies are on-duty along the route while the procession will be monitored through close circuit cameras. Vehicles which are issued special passes will be allowed to enter the route of the procession.

All Karachi Tajir Ittehad Chairman Atique Mir said that all the markets, shopping malls and other business activities will remain closed on the city’s main artery MA Jinnah road, a main route of the procession of Youm-e-Ali (RA).

He said that the markets will reopen after the Maghrib prayers. Mir said that the decision was taken in the wake of the procession in connection with the Youm-e-Ali (RA).

In Lahore, the mourning gathering was held at Mobarak Haveli followed by the procession. The procession will end at Kerbala Gamay Shah.

Mourning congregation was also organized at Imambargah Kashana-e-Hyderia in Cantonment area of Multan.

Massive security arrangements are being observed throughout the procession routes.