Karachi Additional Inspector General (IG) Javed Alam Javed said in a statement that on the occasion of Chehlum, 7,465 police officers and personnel will be deployed on duty in 108 processions, 2,901 in 501 majalis, and 1,113 personnel in 642 imambargahs, thus a total of 11,479 police officers and personnel will perform security duties.
He said that all roads connecting the main procession route in Karachi will remain completely closed, while extraordinary measures have been taken around Nishtar Park.
The Additional IG said that all police station in-charges have been instructed to be present in their areas, increase patrols, make snap checking and blockades effective, while keeping security on high alert at sensitive installations, public places, government and private buildings.
He said that the check posts and search operations at the entrance and exit routes of the city have been further coordinated, while the Bomb Disposal Squad is completing the sweeping and clearance of important places, while the exchange and recording of intelligence information is also being further strengthened.
The Additional IG clarified that no negligence will be tolerated in the implementation of security measures.
According to the police, Karachi’s busy MA Jinnah Road will remain closed on Friday due to the procession and a press release issued by the office of the Deputy Inspector General of Traffic Police released details of the traditional route of the procession and the alternative traffic plan.
The main procession will start from Nishtar Park on Friday and end at Hussainiya Irani Imambargah and will take its traditional route. Due to security reasons, MA Jinnah Road will remain closed from Guru Mandir to Tower.
The press release has suggested various alternative routes for the Central, Eastern and Southern districts, while a special diversion plan has been given for heavy traffic.The statement said that no small or large vehicle will be allowed to enter the procession route beyond Guru Mandir Chowk, and entry on MA Jinnah Road without a permit will be prohibited.
Separate entry routes have been set for people participating in the procession and vehicles distributing sabil or niyaz, while parking of any type of vehicle on the procession route will be prohibited.
