Youm-e-Ali (R.A) being observed across Pakistan with religious solemnity

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan is observing the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Ali (RA) on Wednesday with deep reverence, as religious gatherings and mourning processions take place across the country.

Authorities have implemented comprehensive security measures nationwide to safeguard imambargahs and majalis while ensuring the orderly movement of traffic in major cities.

According to reports, in Karachi, security arrangements have been significantly strengthened ahead of the central Youm-e-Ali procession. Senior officials inspected preparations along the primary route to review safety measures and logistical arrangements.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, accompanied by Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Inspector General (IG) of Sindh Police Javed Alam Odho, and Karachi Police Chief Azad Khan, visited Numaish Chowrangi to review the procession route and security measures.

Lanjar instructed officials to adopt exceptional security measures considering the prevailing circumstances, stressing that all relevant institutions must stay vigilant to ensure the safety of citizens and protect their property.

Additional contingents of police and other law enforcement personnel have been deployed along the procession route, while CCTV cameras installed in the area have been activated to monitor the situation closely.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab stated that municipal departments would make arrangements for sanitation, streetlights and other civic facilities during the procession. He added that concerned agencies would remain on the ground to assist both residents and participants.

Meanwhile, in Punjab, authorities have placed the entire province on heightened alert to mark the Youm-e-Shahadat of Hazrat Ali (RA).

Punjab IGP Dr Abdul Karim directed that security be intensified across the province, including in Lahore, citing the security situation along Pakistan’s western border.

He also ordered officials to remain watchful for possible threats from the militant groups Fitna Al Khawarij and Fitna Al Hindustan, and instructed personnel stationed at interprovincial checkpoints to maintain strict vigilance.

According to the provincial police chief, over 30,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed throughout Punjab to provide protection for mourning processions and religious gatherings. Among them, more than 8,000 officers have been assigned to security duties in Lahore.

According to a Punjab police spokesperson, security arrangements have been made for 217 mourning processions and 994 religious assemblies across the province.

To ensure effective screening of participants, authorities have installed 2,029 metal detectors along with 297 walk-through gates at various locations.

All processions and gatherings are also being monitored continuously through surveillance cameras operated by the Safe Cities Authority and district administrations.

Furthermore, plainclothes commandos have been positioned along procession routes, while snipers have been stationed on rooftops to strengthen security, while female police personnel have also been assigned to carry out security checks of women attending the events.

The Punjab IG also directed all operational units, including the Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit (PRU), Special Branch and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), to maintain close coordination to ensure effective security arrangements.

Regional and district police chiefs have also been instructed to personally supervise the security plans for the processions and gatherings.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, during meeting with prominent religious scholars in Lahore, stated that mourning processions across the country held to mark the day would conclude by the time of Maghrib prayers.