Karachi’s central Muharram 8th procession to be held today amid tight security
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KARACHI – The central procession of the 8th of Muharram will be taken out in Karachi today from Nishtar Park, where mourners will commemorate the sacrifice of Hazrat Abbas (RA), the standard-bearer of Imam Hussain (AS), during the tragedy of Karbala. Prior to the procession, a Majlis-e-Aza will be held at Nishtar Park at 11am. Renowned religious scholar Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi is scheduled to address the gathering and highlight the sacrifices of the martyrs of Karbala and the philosophy of martyrdom. According to organisers, the procession will begin at around noon under the supervision of Sadat-e-Amroha, with volunteers from Abul Hasan Scouts and Amroha Scouts leading the arrangements. The participants will proceed along the traditional route while engaging in noha recitation and matam. The procession will pass through Shah Nawaz Bhutto Road, M.A. Jinnah Road and reach Numaish Chowrangi, where Zuhrain prayers will be offered in front of Imam Bargah Ali Raza. The procession will then continue through its designated route before concluding at Hussainia Iraniyan in Kharadar. The local authorities have put in place extensive security and traffic management plans to facilitate mourners and maintain law and order throughout the event. The security officials said comprehensive arrangements have been finalised for the protection of central processions, majalis and other sensitive locations across the city during Muharram. A police spokesperson said more than 5,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed for security duties. Additional contingents, reserve forces and snipers have been stationed along procession routes and at sensitive points. The spokesperson added that search and sweep operations are being conducted to ensure foolproof security, while law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to prevent any untoward incident during the observance of the 8th of Muharram. The special traffic diversions have also been implemented in areas along the