Cellular services suspended in Karachi, other major cities

KARACHI: In the wake of the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), cellular services are suspended in major cities across Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Khairpur, and Shikarpur, on Monday, August 26.

This decision is part of a broader set of security measures aimed at maintaining law and order during the mourning processions. The Sindh Home Minister, Ziaul Hasan Lanjar, stated that the suspension is necessary to prevent any potential security threats.

In addition to the suspension of cellular services, the provincial government has also declared a public holiday for all public and private schools across Sindh and imposed a ban on pillion riding across the province, including Karachi.

These measures are aimed at ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for the mourning processions and other events related to Chehlum.

Meanwhile, the Karachi Traffic Police released details of alternative routes and traffic diversions in preparation for Hazrat Imam Hussain’s (RA) Chehlum procession in the port city.

The main procession will begin at Nishtar Park and proceed along traditional routes, concluding at Hussainian Iranian Imambargah.

As a security measure, MA Jinnah Road will be closed to all vehicles from Guru Mandir to Tower, except for those participating in the procession with special vehicle stickers. Alternative routes are designed to cope with the traffic at the district level.

Chehlum’s Plan for Twin Cities

In Rawalpindi, the local administration has also announced a public holiday on August 26, 2024, in observance of Chehlum.

The Rawalpindi police have issued a comprehensive security plan for seven Chehlum processions originating from different Imambargahs in the city.

Whereas in Federal City, several roads are blocked with containers giving specific routes for the Chelum activities, restricting the traffic for entering specified areas.

The Chehlum procession will commence at Central Imambargah G/6-2 and proceed through its designated routes, ultimately concluding at the same location.

Moreover, to ensure a smooth and secure procession, certain routes will be closed to traffic, including the stretch from Kulsoom Plaza Chowk to Fazal Haq Road and China Chowk on both sides of President Road, as well as the section from Iqbal Hall to Melody Chowk.

To mitigate potential congestion, alternative routes have been designated, including Nazimuddin Road towards Faisal Avenue, Seventh Avenue Suhrawardy towards G-7/4 Out Loop Service Road, and Iqbal Hall via Post Office Service Road.

The plan includes the deployment of over 4,400 security personnel and officers to ensure safety, as well as 215 personnel regulating the flow of vehicular traffic.

These measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety during significant religious occasions.