KARACHI: The 9th Muharram mourning procession culminated safely at the Hussainian-Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar on Tuesday evening amid strict security measures which included pillion-riding ban.

A large number of men, women and children participated in the main procession that was taken out from the Shah-i-Khurasan Imambargah near Nishtar Park. They marched on M.A. Jinnah Road and after passing through the traditional route completed their journey in more than five hours.

Before turning to Mansfield Street, the mourners offered Zuhrain prayers near Masjid-o-Imambargah Ali Raza after which the Imamia Students Organisation staged a demonstration and burnt the flags of Israel, the United States and India.

They also raised slogans against the recent targeted killings on sectarian grounds.

After passing through Preedy Street, Empress Market and Regal Chowk, the procession re-emerged on M.A. Jinnah Road. The procession entered Kharadar a little after sunset.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Rangers director general Maj Gen Bilal Akbar with senior police officers visited the procession route and reviewed the security arrangements.

`We are here to assure mourners that they feel secure for attending Muharram Majalis and processions,` said Maj Gen Akbar while talking to reporters after the visit.`The Rangers and police are alert round the clock to thwart any act of terrorism. We have planned elaborate security measures including deployment of police, the Rangers and soldiers of Pakistan Army on routes of the Muharram processions.

For lasting peace, we have to make joint efforts in Karachi and other parts of Sindh province.