Karachi Observes Hazrat Ali Martyrdom Day With Procession
Karachi observed Hazrat Ali martyrdom day with solemn gatherings and a large procession on Wednesday. Thousands of mourners gathered at Nishtar Park to pay tribute. Religious scholar Allama Amjad Raza Johri delivered the main address during the central majlis.
Organizers from the Zameer-ul-Hassan Trust arranged the gathering before the procession began. Soon after the majlis ended, mourners joined the central procession led by the Abutarab Scouts. Participants then moved along the traditional route through key roads in the city.
Majlis, Prayers and Procession
The procession reached M A Jinnah Road after leaving Nishtar Park. At this point, the Imamia Students Organization (ISO) Karachi region arranged congregational prayers for mourners. The prayers took place near Ali Raza Mosque and Imambargah. Maulana Asghar Shahidi led the Zuhrain prayers for the participants. Volunteers also set up temporary ablution facilities along the route. As a result, mourners could perform prayers comfortably during the procession.
An ISO spokesperson later addressed the gathering. He criticized international actions against Muslim countries and expressed concern over the situation in Palestine. In addition, he referred to the leadership of Ali Khamenei and called for unity among oppressed communities.
The speaker also urged Pakistan to adopt a clearer foreign policy stance. Furthermore, he demanded legal action over the alleged killing of Pakistani youths near the US Consulate earlier this month. He also warned about attempts to spread sectarian tensions in Pakistan. After the prayers, some protesters burned the flags of the United States and Israel. They also raised slogans in support of Palestine, Lebanon, and Yemen.
Security Measures and Route Monitoring
Authorities enforced strict security during Hazrat Ali martyrdom day events across Karachi. Police and Rangers maintained a heavy presence along the procession route. In addition, officials placed barricades to control movement. Bomb disposal squads searched shops and nearby buildings before the procession began. Security teams also monitored the area through CCTV cameras. Walk-through gates screened participants at entry points to Nishtar Park.
Snipers monitored rooftops while sniffer dogs checked sensitive locations. Security teams allowed entry only after proper checks. Senior officials, including Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar and Karachi police chief Javed Alam Odho, also reviewed the arrangements.
