Youm-e-Ali being observed across country

KARACHI/LAHORE/PESHAWAR/QUETTA: Youm-e-Ali, the martyrdom day of Hazrat Ali (RA), is being observed today amid tight security across the country.

To avoid any untoward incident, special security arrangements have been made, while the mourning processions will follow the planned routes and gather at the pre-decided venues.

In Lahore, a mourning procession will emerge from Mubarak Haveli and proceed through Chowk Nawab Sahab, Mochi Gate, Kucha Sheyan, Old Kotwali, Kashmir Bazar, Bhati Gate and will conclude at Kerbala Gamay Shah.

Participants of the procession will also offer Zuhr prayer at Chowk Rang Mahal.
As part of security measures, the procession routes have been divided into 12 sectors and eight entry points have been made where 33 walkthrough gates have been installed.

Monitoring of sensitive areas is being carried out through CCTV cameras, three drone cameras and a helicopter while cellular services on procession route will remain suspended till conclusion of the event.

In Karachi, the mourning procession will proceed from Nishtar Park at 1:00pm and will reach MA Jinnah Road.

According to police officials, special robots are being used for bomb-sweeping at the central procession from Numaish Chowrangi on MA Jinnah Road to Kharadar via Saddar.

The robots, gifted by US and Britain to Sindh Police, can also be used to diffuse improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These special robots are controlled through specialised vans.

Main route of the central procession has been sealed by placing containers and will remain shut for normal traffic today, while pillion riding in the city is also banned.

In Quetta also, pillion riding has been banned for two days under section 144 as part of the security arrangements.

In Peshawar, the district administration has imposed section 144 for three days to avert any untoward incident.