On Tuesday, thousands of mourners participated in Chehlum processions across Pakistan to mark the 40th day since the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA). Authorities confirmed that the commemorations concluded peacefully under strict security measures.
The largest gatherings took place in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, and other major cities, where police, Rangers, and various security forces deployed thousands of personnel. They monitored the processions using surveillance cameras and enforced traffic restrictions to maintain public safety.
In Karachi, the country’s biggest Chehlum procession started from Nishtar Park following a religious assembly and proceeded along its traditional path, ending at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in the Kharadar area. A large number of mourners from across the city joined, many walking considerable distances in observance of the mourning tradition. Participants performed Zuhr and Asr prayers during the procession and paid homage to Imam Hussain (RA) and the Karbala martyrs through elegies and mourning rituals.
Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho personally inspected the procession route to assess security arrangements, with senior police officials present throughout the event. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conclusion of Chehlum processions across the province. He praised the efforts of the Rangers, police, and other law enforcement agencies for maintaining security and thanked procession organizers, religious scholars, and district administrations for their cooperation in ensuring a smooth event.
Meanwhile, in Lahore, mourning processions originated from various parts of the city before converging along designated routes under tight security. Authorities set up a central control room at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office to oversee the processions via closed-circuit television cameras. Police, Rescue 1122 personnel, and emergency responders were deployed along the routes to provide assistance. Volunteers upheld the tradition of serving participants by setting up numerous stalls offering drinking water, food, and refreshments.
In Quetta, two main Chehlum processions departed from Alamdar Road and Hazara Town, each consisting of 21 and 22 mourning groups respectively. These events were conducted under strict security protocols. Mobile phone and internet services were suspended in parts of the city as a precautionary measure. Authorities reported that the processions concluded on schedule without any major security issues.
In Peshawar, the central Chehlum procession commenced at Akhundabad Imambargah and returned to the same location after following its designated route. Police implemented extensive security measures, including CCTV surveillance, additional checkpoints at city entry and exit points, and deployment of security personnel along the procession path. Traffic diversions were arranged to facilitate mourners’ movement, while volunteers distributed food and water to attendees.
Chehlum signifies the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his companions during the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Officials nationwide confirmed that all major Chehlum processions concluded peacefully, with no significant law and order disturbances reported.
