KARACHI:
Almost 50,000 police personnel will be deployed for the security of Muharram processions in Sindh, said Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon addressing a press conference on Thursday.
The tense geopolitical situation of the region compounded by collaboration of anti-state elements with the hostile neighbour warrants heightened security for the mass gatherings of Muharram.
Sharjeel assured that the Sindh government has made foolproof security arrangements for Muharram.
Most important was the unity of Ummah to defeat the designs of enemies of the country to use Muharram days to fan sectarian hatred and violence.
The senior minister stated that the Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah held meetings with scholars from various schools of thought to assure harmony and reviewed the security plan for gatherings and processions.
Sharjeel told the media that 14,546 police personnel would be deployed for gatherings and 35,116 for Muharram processions, with over 14,000 additional personnel assigned to ensure the security of all events.
He announced that a total of 49,662 police personnel will be deployed across Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, and Shaheed Benazirabad from the 8th to 10th of Muharram to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain peace.
He emphasised that while the Sindh government tolerates criticism, it will not allow anyone to dictate its policies. He added that the government had also proposed allocating a large designated area for protests to ensure that public life remains unaffected.
Traffic plan for three days of Muharram
The Traffic Police have announced a special traffic plan for 8th, 9th, and 10th of Muharram. Under the plan, MA Jinnah Road will remain closed from Guru Mandir to Tower on all three days due to security concerns. The main Muharram processions will begin from Nishtar Park and conclude at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah, passing through its designated routes. Vehicles bearing special stickers issued for the procession will be allowed to join.
As per the announced plan for traffic, commuters from Nazimabad can travel through Lasbela Chowk via Nishtar Road and Garden. Those coming from Liaquatabad can turn right at Teen Hatti towards Lasbela Chowk or to left towards Central Jail and Martin Road.
Motorists coming from Hassan Square and heading to the PP Chowrangi can use Kashmir Road under Jail Flyover, Society Light Signal, Sharah-e-Quaideen, and Nishtar Road via Teen Hatti and Lasbela Chowk.
Commuters from Sharea Faisal towards Sharah-e-Quaideen and Noorani Kabab to Numaish can take a right turn at Society traffic light towards Kashmir Road. Those heading to Guru Mandir or MA Jinnah Road via Jail Gate or Jamshed Road can take Bahadur Yar Jang Road and pass through Soldier Bazaar. Similarly, those at Garden Zoo heading to MA Jinnah Road will be diverted via Anklesaria to either Gul Plaza or Coast Guard, near Holy Family Hospital.
All heavy and commercial vehicles from Super Highway or Gulberg towards MA Jinnah Road will be diverted from Liaquatabad No10 to Nazimabad Chowrangi No2, and then proceed via Habib Bank Flyover, State Avenue Road, and Shershah to Mauripur. The same route will apply for return.
Heavy traffic coming from National Highway will take Sharea Faisal or Rashid Minhas Road, Stadium Road, Sir Shah Suleman Road, Hassan Square, Liaquatabad No10, and Nazimabad Chowrangi No2 towards Mauripur, and will follow the same route back.
The Traffic Police spokesperson clarified that no small or large vehicles will be allowed beyond Guru Mandir Chowk on the procession route. All such traffic will be diverted towards Bahadur Yar Jang Road and Soldier Bazaar. Vehicles with stickers will be allowed entry from Sharah-e-Quaideen via Society Light Signal.
Participants arriving from Nazimabad may enter via Lasbela, Al-Bela, Garden Jamaat Khana, Soldier Bazaar No3 traffic light to Numaish. Those from Liaquatabad, Teen Hatti, Jehangir Road, Guru Mandir, Society signal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, University Road, Old Sabzi Mandi, Kashmir Road can also through Numaish.
Vehicles distributing niaz or tabarruk will only be allowed entry into the procession from Tower near Memon Masjid. No vehicle will be permitted to park along the procession route.d
