The Rawalpindi Municipality has announced a holiday for tomorrow (Monday) on the occasion of the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
In addition, a notification was issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi stating that the holiday will be observed in Tehsil City, Tehsil Cantt and Tehsil Saddar of the Garrison Town.
“I, Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi, declare 26.08.2024 (Monday) as a local holiday in Tehsil City, Tehsil Cantt and Tehsil Saddar in District Rawalpindi due to Chehlum process,” the statement said.
However, according to the statement, institutions, departments and offices involved in emergency and relief operations and other related services would continue to operate.
The Sindh government has also announced school holidays for all public and private schools across the province from Monday on account of the Chehlum of Imam Hussain (RA).
Meanwhile, a ban on pillion riding has been imposed across the province, including Karachi. This is part of the safety measures to avoid any untoward incidents on this occasion.
In Lahore, special security arrangements have been made for the main parade, including six elite teams, 12 Police Response Unit (PRU) teams and 17 Dolphin teams to patrol the 11 entry points.
Policewomen will be deployed to ensure the safety of mourners and visitors. In addition, snipers will be stationed on the roofs of buildings along the procession routes.
The event on August 26 is celebrated with religious fervor throughout the country, but in major cities there are strict security measures on the processional routes.
Mourners will take out processions with Alam, Tazia and Zuljinah in various cities across the country.
Chehlum marks the end of a 40-day mourning period following the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his 72 companions in the Battle of Karbala on 10th Muharram in 680 AD.
