With the arrival of Islamic month of Moharram, security officials called a meeting of high ranking members to discuss the ground plan for the Ashura processions expected to rise in Karachi on 8th, 9th and 10th.
The meeting was chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and in attendance were Advisor to CM Murtaza Wahab, DG Rangers Major General Omer Ahmed Bokhari, IG Sindh Dr Kaleem Imam, Commissioner Karachi Iftikhar Shahlwani, Additional IG CTD Kamran Fazal, Additional IG Special Branch Imran Minhas, Secretary Local Government Khalid Hyder Shah, Sector Commanders of intelligence agencies, provincial head of Intelligence Bureau, Col M. Nasir of 5 Corps, Col Faisal and other officials.
Additional IG Karachi, Ghulam Nabi Memon mapped the route of the procession which is expected to begin from Nishtar Park at noon on 9th Moharram. It will head to Guru Mandar – New M.A Jinnah Road where Namaze Zohrain would be offered at VVIP Gate of Mazar-e-Quaid. Thousands of mourners will then move to Peoples Round about, New M.A Jinnah Road, Saddar Dawakhana, Empress Market, Regal Chowk, Tibet Center, Plastic Market to finally Hussainian Iraninan Imambargah, marking the end of the day.
An identical route will be followed on 10th of Moharram except Namaze Zohrain will be offered at Tibet Centre instead. About 50000 mourners are expected to participate on this day.
Security would be on high alert throughout, with police personnel positioned on rooftops of surrounding buildings, walk through gates at entry points, followed by checkups by bomb disposal squad who would be in close proximity.
