The martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Ali (RA) is being observed across Pakistan today with profound reverence and religious devotion.
On this occasion, mourning processions are being held in numerous large and small cities, while authorities have put strict security measures in place to maintain law and order.
Hazrat Ali (RA), one of the most prominent figures in Islamic history known as the great commander of Islam, the conqueror of Khaybar, and the son-in-law of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was fatally wounded during Fajr prayers in the mosque of Kufa on the 19th of Ramadan. He later embraced martyrdom on the 21st of Ramadan.
In Karachi, the central mourning congregation for Youm-e-Ali began at Nishtar Park, where Allama Amjad Raza Johri is addressing the gathering. The main procession is scheduled to depart from Nishtar Park at 12:30 pm and will proceed along its designated route before concluding at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.
Zuhrain prayers will be offered at 2:00 pm on M.A. Jinnah Road, to be led by Maulana Asghar Hussain Shaheedi.
Authorities have implemented extensive security arrangements for the central procession. According to officials, a large contingent of Sindh Rangers and police personnel has been deployed to ensure the safety of participants.
Additional Inspector General Karachi Javed Alam Odho stated that comprehensive security measures have been adopted across the city for the procession. He added that more than 5,200 police officers and personnel have been deployed for security duties.
Special arrangements have been made along the procession routes, entry and exit points, and return pathways. Route sealing, snap checking, continuous monitoring through CCTV cameras, and the deployment of snipers on high-rise buildings have also been implemented. Quick Response Teams have been placed on high alert to respond to any emergency situation.
Police officials confirmed that M.A. Jinnah Road from Guru Mandir to Tower and areas from Saddar Dawakhana and Empress Market to Regal Chowk have been completely sealed. Containers have been placed along the procession route to control movement.
Traffic police stated that only vehicles with special passes are being allowed to enter the procession from Society Light Signal, while vehicles carrying Niaz and Sabeel are entering from the Tower side of M.A. Jinnah Road.
In Rawalpindi, the central Youm-e-Ali procession concluded at Colonel Maqbool Imambargah. In Peshawar, the procession began at Syed Alam Shah Imambargah, passed through Kochi Bazaar, and returned to the same location where it concluded.
Meanwhile in Multan, a total of 12 processions and 15 religious gatherings are being organized in connection with the 21st of Ramadan. Authorities have declared two processions and two gatherings as highly sensitive.
Strict security arrangements have been made at sensitive locations, including a three-layer security cordon and surveillance through CCTV cameras.
The central Youm-e-Ali procession in Multan commenced from Imambargah Nasirabad Jhakk and will conclude at Imambargah Astana Lal Shah after passing through its designated routes.
More than 2,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed to ensure security during the processions and religious gatherings.
Meanwhile, Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar reviewed the procession routes and security arrangements in Karachi and directed authorities to ensure extraordinary security measures.
Referring to the February 28 incident, he said the inquiry is still ongoing and that no one can be held responsible until the investigation reaches its final conclusion. He also clarified that the transfer of police officers is purely an administrative matter.
It is worth mentioning that on February 28, a firing incident near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi resulted in the deaths of 11 people.
