Across Pakistan, mourners gathered today (Friday) to commemorate the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala, paying tribute to their enduring legacy of sacrifice. Cities saw solemn processions, the beating of chests in matam, and the recitation of nohas, as banners (Alam) and symbolic horses (Zuljinah) led crowds through traditional routes.
Karachi: Security Tight as Central Procession Moves Through MA Jinnah Road
In Karachi, the main procession set off from Nishtar Park at 1 PM. Authorities rolled out extensive security — streets branching off MA Jinnah Road were blocked with containers, markets along the route were searched and sealed, and partial mobile service suspensions were enforced. More than 4,000 police officers, alongside bomb disposal teams, were deployed under Section 144 restrictions to prevent gatherings outside designated areas.
Lahore: Traditional Routes, Heavy Police Presence
In Lahore, the central Chehlum procession began from Haveli Alaf Shah at Delhi Gate and wound its way to Karbala Gamay Shah. Police secured 382 processions and gatherings across Punjab with a massive 30,000-strong deployment. In the provincial capital alone, over 5,000 officers were stationed along the route, supported by 12 senior police officials. Special protection was given to 40 majalis and a dozen mourning processions considered sensitive.
Peshawar: Twin Processions Under Watch
Peshawar hosted two main Zuljinah processions, starting simultaneously at 3 PM — one from Imambargah Akhundabad and the other from Jamia Masjid Kocha Risaldar. Both were heavily guarded and returned to their starting points by evening. A majlis at Imambargah Alamdar Karbala preceded the processions at midday.
The Chehlum, observed 40 days after Ashura, draws some of the largest religious gatherings in the country. For security agencies, it is one of the most sensitive days on the calendar, prompting high-alert measures to protect mourners while maintaining order.