Today, the central processions of 9th Muharram are being held across Karachi and various other cities in Pakistan under the tightest security arrangements. Authorities have imposed stringent security protocols to ensure the safety of participants during these significant religious observances.

Mobile Services Suspended

In several cities, mobile phone services have been suspended, and sensitive areas have been sealed off to prevent any untoward incidents. In Karachi, the suspension of mobile services has already begun, affecting communication across the city.

Additionally, internet services in various parts of Karachi are also starting to experience disruptions.

The lack of mobile signals has created communication challenges, particularly at the site of a recent tragedy in Lyari. Yesterday, a five-story residential building in the Baghdad area of Lyari collapsed, which housed six families. The disaster has so far claimed the lives of 16 individuals, and emergency response teams are facing difficulties coordinating rescue efforts due to the mobile network blackout.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, balancing the need for security during Muharram processions with the urgency of rescue operations following the building collapse.

Muharram Security Measures

In Karachi, over 5,000 police personnel have been deployed for the central 9th Muharram procession, with an additional 1,000 officers managing traffic. Cellular services have been suspended along the procession route, which began from Nishtar Park.

Sharpshooters have been positioned on rooftops, procession routes are being checked with sniffer dogs, and monitoring is underway through CCTV surveillance.

MA Jinnah Road has been closed to traffic, with markets and shops in MA Jinnah, Saddar, Empress, Regal, and Lighthouse areas sealed. Streets connecting to the procession route are blocked with containers. Only vehicles with procession stickers are permitted, and those from Sharea Quaideen cannot pass beyond the Khudadad Colony signal.

Traffic restrictions include a complete ban beyond Gurumandir, with commuters redirected from Soldier Bazaar towards the Coast Guard or Nishtar Road. Traffic from Nazimabad is diverted via Lasbela Chowk to Nishtar Road and Garden, while vehicles from Super Highway are rerouted from Liaquatabad No.10 to Nazimabad Chowrangi No.2. Travellers from Liaquatabad are being guided towards Teen Hatti, Martin Road, and Jail Road.

According to Karachi Traffic Police’s diversion plan, commuters from Hassan Square to PP Chowrangi can use Kashmir Road under Jail Flyover to reach Sharea Quaideen or take Jail Flyover towards Teen Hatti and Nishtar Road via Lasbela Chowk.