KARACHI-
Chehlum of martyrs of Karbala was observed across the country on Saturday, private media reported.
Chehlum is a commemoration 40 days after Ashoura, in which Muslim devotees, particularly Shiites, mourn the death of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) grandson Imam Hussein in the battle of Karbala.
Processions and Majalis were oganised across all cities, paying homage to the martyrs.
In Karachi, the main Chehlum procession began from Nishtar Park at noon.
The procession will culminate at Hussainia Iranian Kharadar after observing its traditional route.
Shops and business centres along the procession routes were closed down for security while routes leading to the procession have been blocked for traffic.
In Punjab, at least 50,084 policemen are deployed in cities to provide security cover to 1089 processions, and 2564 Majalis while in Lahore alone, at least 5000 policemen are deployed in different areas to maintain law and order.
Pillion riding has also been prohibited in sensitive cities while cellular sevice remains shut in seven districts of Balochistan, including Quetta.
