The martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Ali ibne Abi Talib (A.S) is being observed today (Saturday) with religious reverence across the country, as mourning processions are being taken out in major cities amid heightened security measures.
The central procession in Karachi will commence from Nishtar Park at 1pm and culminate at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar. Similar processions are being taken out in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, and other cities.
Authorities have imposed strict security arrangements, including road closures, mobile network suspension, and a ban on pillion riding under Section 144 to prevent any untoward incidents.
Security measures and restrictions
In Karachi, streets and roads leading to the main procession route have been blocked with containers to ensure security. The Commissioner Karachi has banned motorcycle pillion riding for the day, while a heavy police presence has been deployed along the route.
In Quetta, mobile phone services have been temporarily suspended as part of security protocols. The Home Departments of all provinces have issued directives for strict implementation of security measures.
Mourning processions across major cities
In Karachi, the main Youm-e-Ali (A.S.) procession will begin from Nishtar Park and proceed through Numaish, Nursery, M.A. Jinnah Road, and Sea Breeze before reaching Empress Market in Saddar.
From there, it will continue through Saddar Regal and Tibet Centre before concluding at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah via Bolton Market.
In Lahore, the main procession will begin from Mubarak Haveli in the historic Mochi Gate area and conclude at Karbala Gamay Shah at Iftar. More than 7,000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure safety along the route.
In Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Quetta, mourning processions are being taken out in various localities, with law enforcement agencies monitoring the situation closely.
Traffic diversions in Karachi
To facilitate the movement of the procession, M.A. Jinnah Road from Guru Mandir to Tower has been closed for regular traffic. Karachi traffic police have issued alternate routes for commuters:
- Nazimabad traffic: Use Lasbela Chowk and Nishtar Road to reach Garden
- Liaquatabad commuters: Take Teen Hatti, Lasbela Chowk, and Central Jail routes
- Hasan Square to PP Chowrangi traffic: Diverted via Kashmir Road to Society Light Signal
- Jail Flyover traffic: Redirected towards Teen Hatti and Nishtar Road
- Shahrah-e-Quaideen to Numaish traffic: Use Kashmir Road
- Jamshed Road to Guru Mandir traffic: Take Bahadur Yar Jang Road and Soldier Bazaar
Authorities have urged citizens to follow traffic police instructions and plan their routes accordingly to avoid inconvenience. Security personnel will remain on high alert throughout the day to ensure a peaceful observance of Youm-e-Ali (A.S.).
