Karachi: To ensure safe and proper main Muharram processions on 8, 9, and 10 Muharram, Karachi authorities have made strict security and standard arrangements. To ensure that the processions are executed smoothly borderlines have been closed with containers placed on different sections of the highways M. A. Jinnah Road and Saddar. The implementation of this measure is intended to sustain the security conditions and regulate the attendance of the participants during such spectacular religious celebrations.
During the preparatory activities, both, the Orange Line and Green Line bus services will remain closed from Monday through the 10th of Muharram. The suspension affects these roads to avoid traffic build-up which may compromise the safety of people on both the roads and those invading the carriageway on foot.
In the past few days, the Karachi Traffic Police have also put out a comprehensive traffic plan for vehicular and pedestrian movement. Major arteries, especially the ones that are used for the procession, will be shut down for normal traffic. M. A. Jinnah Road from Gizri to Tower will be District from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with the only exception being the procession. Other road networks have been provided to channel normal traffic from the processional routes so that there would not be much inconvenience on roads during religious events.
There are instructions to the people who are in the processions some of which include no parking along the procession routes to mention but a few. Vehicles having authorized procession stickers will be allowed to access the restricted zones thus reducing signs of insecurity and free traffic flow within the facility.
The main procession of the day is planned to start from Nishtar Park and pass through the traditional routes in the city to reach Hussainia Iranian Imambargah. Our relations stress the measures to underline their relevance for public safety and prevention of any violations of the religious services’ sanctity.
Residents of the affected areas and road users are similarly urged to arrange their movements before these days bearing in mind the stoppages and diversions that will be in force. The authorities seek to receive the cooperation of the masses to minimize issues concerning the traffic plan and to have a unified and quiet observation of Muharram.
All in all, the Karachi authorities are active in preparing and getting security for the procession ways, canceling the transportation facilities, and have developed a traffic plan for control of Muharram processions. These measures show the measures this city has taken to encourage those practising their religion though the safety and orderliness of the public are equally considered.
