Ahead of mourning processions scheduled for the 8th, 9th, and 10th of Muharram-ul-Haram, authorities in Karachi have barricaded key sections of the city’s main procession route and intensified security measures across sensitive areas.
As a precautionary step, shops and commercial centers situated along the primary procession route – particularly on the megacity’s main thoroughfare, MA Jinnah Road, as well as in Saddar, Empress Market, and Preedy Street – were partially sealed overnight. Police have strategically placed shipping containers at crucial entry points in Saddar to partially restrict access and manage traffic flow.
A substantial contingent of security personnel will be deployed along the procession route to ensure safety. The gatherings will traditionally commence from Nishtar Park and culminate at Hussainian Iranian Imambargah.
Public Holidays and Traffic Diversion Plan
Earlier this week, the federal government declared July 5 and 6 (9th and 10th Muharram) as public holidays to commemorate Youm-e-Ashura, according to a notification from the Cabinet Division.
Meanwhile, the Karachi Traffic Police have released a detailed traffic diversion plan for these three days. As per the plan disseminated on social media, MA Jinnah Road will remain closed from Guru Mandir to Tower due to security concerns.
Officials confirmed that on the 8th, 9th, and 10th Muharram (July 4, 5, and 6, 2025), the main mourning procession will follow its traditional route from Nishtar Park to Hussainian Iranian Imambargah. For security reasons, MA Jinnah Road will remain closed from Guru Mandir to Tower during this period.
Alternative routes have been advised for commuters:
- Those originating from Nazimabad are directed to utilize Lasbela Chowk via the Garden area to reach Nishtar Park.
- Commuters from Liaquatabad should turn right at Teen Hatti and proceed via Martin Road.
- Individuals traveling from Hassan Square to PP Chowrangi may take Kashmir Road under the Jail Flyover, then head to Society Light Signal (Shahrah-e-Quaideen), or use the Jail Flyover to reach Teen Hatti and Nishtar Road via Lasbela Chowk.
Mobile Services Suspension and Nationwide Security Deployment
Separately, earlier this week, the Sindh government formally requested the federal Ministry of Interior to suspend mobile phone services across the province on the 10th of Muharram to mitigate potential security threats. The province’s Home Department submitted this request, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining law and order during this sensitive period.
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam. Its 10th day, known as Ashura, commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with his family members in the Battle of Karbala. Throughout the country, devotees organize processions and majalis during Muharram, where religious scholars deliver sermons to large gatherings under tight security.
Last week, the Ministry of Interior approved the nationwide deployment of the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces (CAFs) to bolster security during the holy month. According to a government notification, this decision was made in response to formal requests from all four provincial governments, as well as the administrations of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the Islamabad Capital Territory. Troops will be deployed under Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The scale and duration of these deployments will be determined by local authorities based on real-time security assessments, in consultation with federal and provincial stakeholders.
