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The main Chehlum procession concluded peacefully in Karachi on Tuesday after passing through its designated route under comprehensive security arrangements. Thousands of mourners participated in the annual religious procession to mark Chehlum, also known as Arbaeen, which commemorates the 40th day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Law enforcement agencies implemented an extensive security plan to ensure the procession was held without any untoward incident. The event concluded successfully after participants reached the designated endpoint. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conclusion of the procession. He praised the Sindh Police, Pakistan Rangers, and other security agencies for their coordinated efforts to maintain law and order throughout the day. The chief minister also appreciated the cooperation extended by procession organisers, religious scholars, volunteers, and participants. He said their collective efforts helped ensure the religious event remained peaceful and well-organised. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar also commended the police for their professional performance. He said the successful completion of Chehlum processions reflected effective planning and strong coordination among all institutions responsible for security. A comprehensive security strategy had been put in place ahead of the event. More than 11,000 police officers and personnel were deployed across Karachi to protect Chehlum processions, religious gatherings, and imambargahs. Security officials remained on high alert throughout the day. Additional police personnel were stationed along the procession route and at sensitive locations across the city. Rangers and other law enforcement agencies also assisted in maintaining security. Authorities carried out continuous patrolling, snap checking, and picketing in different areas. Officers were instructed to remain present in their respective jurisdictions and ensure strict monitoring of important public places, government buildings, private installations, and religious sites. To facilitate security arrangements, several major roads along the procession route remained closed. Traffic police introduced a detailed diversion plan to reduce inconvenience for commuters. Motorists were advised to use alternate routes through Lasbela Chowk, Nishtar Road, Kashmir Road, Shahrah-i-Quaideen, Martin Road, Bahadur Yar Jang Road, Soldier Bazaar, and other connecting roads. Traffic police personnel remained deployed across the city to guide commuters and manage the flow of vehicles.

QUETTA: The Balochistan cabinet has approved several major measures aimed at improving security, governance, education and public services across the province. One of the key decisions was to declare the entire province a regular police area following the integration of the Levies Force into the police system. The decisions were taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Wednesday. The meeting reviewed several matters linked to law and order, development, administrative reforms and public welfare. The cabinet also approved the third phase of the Chief Minister Scholarship Programme. Under the programme, 300 children of registered workers from Balochistan will receive admission to a quality boarding school in Islamabad. The initiative aims to provide better educational opportunities to children of workers and help them build stronger prospects for the future. The cabinet approved the appointment of Superintendent of Police Nabeel Ahmed as chief operating officer of the Balochistan Safe City Authority. It also approved the establishment of a Provincial Parole Board on the recommendation of the Home Department. A new police station was approved for Hub Marble City. The move is aimed at improving security in the growing industrial and commercial area. The cabinet also approved a Service Level Agreement for the Quetta Safe City Project. The project will support the expansion of modern surveillance systems and technology-based policing in the provincial capital. Several decisions were also taken to strengthen local government institutions. Union Council Mesi Zai and Union Council Mai Zai were upgraded to municipal committees. The cabinet also approved a new Municipal Committee in Gulistan. The measures are intended to improve administrative services and strengthen local governance. For improved planning of development schemes, the cabinet approved the Balochistan Planning Manual. The meeting also endorsed the Balochistan Child Protection Rules 2026. The rules are aimed at strengthening safeguards for children and improving their welfare across the province. The cabinet approved amendments to the Balochistan Cadet Colleges Act 2026. It also extended the contract of the prosecutor general for another two years. Another major decision involved approval of the Balochistan Hybrid Weighted Procurement Policy 2026. The policy is intended to improve transparency and efficiency in government procurement. The cabinet also approved a financing proposal for the Harnai-Sibi Road Project. Other decisions included approval of the Gwadar Development Authority Service Rules 2024 and the creation of a new tehsil and subdivision in Nasirabad district. Officials said the administrative changes would help improve public service delivery and make development planning more effective. The meeting began with prayers for security personnel and civilians who lost their lives in recent incidents. Cabinet members paid tribute to those who died and expressed sympathy with their families. Speaking at the meeting, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said his government was focused on improving law and order across Balochistan.