Youm-e-Ali being observed in Pakistan amid tight security

July 9, 2015

KARACHI: Youm-e-Ali (AS), the martyrdom day of Hazrat Imam Ali (AS), is being observed amid tight security across the country, The Shia Post reports

 

Special security arrangements have been made to avoid any untoward incident. The mourning processions will follow the planned routes and gather at the pre-decided venues.

 

The provincial government has started to block mobile phone services in Karachi on Wednesday as a security measure on account of Youm-i-Ali today.

 

Sindh government announced mobile phone services will be suspended from 4pm to 9pm in Karachi today on account of Youm-e-Ali.

 

Further, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has issued directives to make security arrangements for the procession.

 

Earlier, the Home Department banned pillion riding in all  36 districts of the province on account of Youm-e-Ali on July 9.

 

According to police officials, special robots will be 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 specialized vans.

 

A day earlier the provincial government also imposed a ban on pillion-riding in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur for two days for the security of Youm-i-Ali processions, an official said.

 

“The ban shall not be applicable to women, children below the age of 12, senior citizens, journalists, personnel of law enforcing agencies and security agencies in uniform and employees of the essential services,” the official added.

 

Several roads in the city will also be closed to all kinds of traffic on July 8 and July 9 and traffic police has issued a comprehensive traffic plan to ensure the safety of the mourners. Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes and there will be a ban on parking any vehicle along the route and near Imambargahs.

 

Youm-i-Ali is observed every year on 21st of Ramazan to mourn the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Imam Ali (AS). Processions are taken out throughout the country.

 

By The Shia Post