Stringent security checks were put in place in Karachi as participants and mourners of Chehlum processions paid homage to Hazrat Imam Husain (AS) and other martyrs of Karbala.
Over 12,000 police and Rangers personnel had been deployed on the route of the main procession with an additional deployment of security staff equipped with snipers on the rooftops of buildings.
All arteries leading to MA Jinnah Road and Guru Mandir were closed for traffic by placing containers and barricades to secure the venue where the main congregation (majlis) was taking place. Walkthrough gates and CCTV cameras had been installed to ensure foolproof security for the mourners.
The avenues of the processions were combed by personnel of the Bomb Disposal Squad with the help of sniffer dogs. Traffic on all leading thoroughfares thinned out as major markets and shops along the procession route remained shut.
The provincial government had announced a public holiday and put a ban on pillion riding. The processions were also monitored through two choppers.
