Central procession of Hazrat Ali’s martyrdom day culminates peacefully in Karachi

KARACHI, Mar 11 (APP): The central mourning procession to mark the martyrdom day of Hazrat Ali (R.A) on 21st Ramazan concluded peacefully at Imambargah Hussainia Iranian on Wednesday amid strict security arrangements across the city.

The procession was taken out from Nishtar Park and passed through its traditional route including Numaish, Britto Road, Empress Market, Regal, Tibet Centre, Khaliq Dina Road, Denso Hall, Plastic Market, Bombay Bazaar and Baghdadi Crossing before reaching its destination.

A comprehensive security plan was implemented by Karachi Police in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to ensure safety of the mourners and maintain law and order during the event.

Under the plan, a total of 5,213 police officers and personnel were deployed across the city, including 19 SSPs/SPs, 53 DSPs, 755 NGOs, 4,244 head constables and constables and 142 lady police officials.

Special security arrangements were made at the procession route, entry and exit points and return routes, while route sealing, snap checking and continuous monitoring through CCTV cameras were ensured. Sharp shooters were also deployed at high-rise buildings along the route to maintain surveillance.

In addition, 100 commandos of the Special Security Unit (SSU) performed security duties along the route of the main procession and at other sensitive locations.

A Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team of the SSU remained on high alert to deal with any untoward situation, while a specialised Command and Control Bus was deployed alongside the procession to monitor the overall law and order situation.

Meanwhile, Additional IGP Karachi Azad Khan visited M. A. Jinnah Road during the day to review the security arrangements. He inspected the procession route, security measures and deployment of police personnel and directed officers to remain vigilant and ensure maximum facilitation for the participants.

Later, the Karachi police chief Azad Khan appreciated the performance of Karachi Police, Traffic Police and other law enforcement agencies for maintaining effective security arrangements during the mourning processions and Majalis across the city.

He said that foolproof security, coordinated strategy and cooperation among institutions helped maintain law and order on the occasion. He also commended the professionalism, dedication and spirit of service shown by the officers and personnel deployed on duty.

Reaffirming the commitment of the force, he said Karachi Police would continue to take effective measures to protect the lives and property of citizens and maintain peace in the city.