LAHORE: Youm-e-Ali (RA), the martyrdom day of Hazrat Ali (RA), was observed today amid tight security across the country.

Special security arrangements were made to avoid any untoward incident. The mourning processions followed the planned routes and gathered at the pre-decided venues.

In Lahore, a mourning procession was taken out from Mobarak Haveli and passed through Chowk Nawab Sahab, Mochi Gate, Kucha Sheyan, Old Kotwali, Kashmir Bazar, Bhati Gate and concluded at Kerbala Gamay Shah. Participants of the procession offered Zuhr prayer at Chowk Rang Mahal.

As part of security measures, the procession routes were divided into 12 sectors and eight entry points were made where thirty three walkthrough gates were installed.

Monitoring of sensitive areas was carried out through CCTV cameras, three drone cameras and a helicopter while cellular services on procession route was remained suspended till the conclusion of the event.

In Karachi, the mourning procession was taken out from Nishtar Park around 1:00 pm that passed through MA Jinnah Road.

More than 11,000 policemen and 1000 Rangers personnel were deployed in the city whereas containers were placed on the roads to secure the procession. 223 police commandos were deployed on 223 buildings and snipers were deployed at 22 nearby high-rise buildings to protect the mourners.

Police used an anti-IED robot for the first time during the clearance operation. The robot has the capability to defuse a bomb.

In Quetta, pillion riding was banned for two days under section 144 as part of the security arrangements for Youm-e-Ali procession.

Main procession passed through Nechari Chowk, Alamdar Chowk, Abdullah Masjid Street, Kansi Road, Megangi Road, Archer Road Cross, Art School Road, Prince Road, Safeer Masjid Chowk and concluded at Alamdar Road Nechari Chowk.

Heavy contingents of security men comprising more than 1500 police, ATF, BC and RRG personnel were deployed for security of the procession. Bomb disposal squad had carried out sweeping operation using sniffer dogs and special tools on the procession routes. Participants were not allowed to enter the rally without special pass.

In Peshawar, the district administration has imposed section 144 for three days to avert any untoward incident.

According to a notification issued by Deputy Commission Peshawar Riaz Mehsud, section 144 has been imposed from July 8 to 10 to maintain law and order in the city.