The chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain was observed peacefully in the provincial metropolis despite problems caused by the rain on Sunday. Several processions of chehlum were brought out in the city, while the main procession came out of the Haveli Alif Shah Hussainia and concluded at the Karbala Gamy Shah. The procession, passing through its traditional route inside the walled city of Lahore from Masjid Wazir Khan, Pani Wala Talab, Rang Mehal, Bazar-e-Hakeeman and Bhaati Gate, reached the Karbala Gamy Shah late at night. A number of small Alam and Tazia processions converged into the main procession at different places.
The security measures for the main procession remained disturbed due to the rain that continued throughout the day. The security personnel were seen taking shades, leaving their places of duty and creating potential loopholes in the security plan of the procession. In the evening, the electricity load-shedding added to the security problems as anyone could enter the procession unchecked while the lights were out. To join the procession, the mourners had to walk through gates after being scanned by metal detectors. Hundreds of police personnel and special units were deployed on the roof tops of the buildings along the routes. However, during the evening, the checking procedure was put to a halt due to darkness near Mochi Gate and the people kept joining the procession without any security. The mourners, in large numbers from across the city, had gathered inside the Delhi Gate since Saturday night and began moving outside the Delhi Gate at Sunday noon. The procession route was cordoned-off from sides with barbed wires and with containers at some points for security purposes.
After culmination of the main procession, the notable Shiite scholars discussed the episode of Karbala and the sacrifices offered by Hazrat Imam Hussain. Across the entire procession route, people had setup stalls of free meals, sweet water and milk for the mourners.
Earlier, various Majalis and Matam gatherings were held in different Imambargahs of provincial metropolis to commemorate the incident of Karbala and highlight the message of martyrdom. A number of Alam and Tazia processions, taken out from different Imambargahs, marched through their respective routes peacefully.
