Location: Countrywide
Event: Local media report upcoming Chehlum processions for Saturday, September 17 in Karachi, though processions may occur throughout Pakistan on major thoroughfares.
In Karachi, a large procession is scheduled to depart from Shah-e-Khurasan near Nishter Park (8km northeast) to Imambargah Hussainiyah Iranian in Kharadar (3km northwest) via M. A. Jinnah Road, Empress Market Saddar, M.A. Jinnah Road, Market Street, Bombay Bazar Road, Adamjee Dawood Street, Rampart Row, and Embankment Road. The procession will depart Shah-e-Khurasan at 13:00, make a stop at Imambargah Ali Raza for afternoon prayers at 15:00, and conclude at Hussainiyah Iranian at around 22:00.
While we are not aware of any threats to this year’s processions, we remind U.S. citizens that due to instances of sectarian violence directed at the Chehlum mourning processions in recent years, the Embassy has advised its employees to avoid these areas, and we recommend that private U.S. citizens observe the same precaution. These events may result in increased security presence, traffic delays, street closures, and disruption of cell phone networks. All U.S. citizens are advised to monitor the situation via local media and our website, stay clear of all known procession routes and areas, keep a low profile, exercise caution, avoid large gatherings, and to remain vigilant of their surroundings.
Actions to Take:
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- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Always have your identity documents with you.
- Avoid areas of large public gatherings.
- Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of a large gathering and/or demonstration.
- Review your personal security plans.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Keep a low profile.
- Notify friends and family of your safety.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Islamabad, Pakistan
+(92) (51) 201-4000
ACSIslamabad@state.gov
https://pk.usembassy.gov
U.S. Consulate General, Karachi
+(92) (21) 3527 5000
ACSKarachi@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General, Lahore
+(92) (42) 3603 4000
ACSLahore@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General, Peshawar
+(92) (91) 526 8800
ACSIslamabad@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
+(1) 888-407-4747 or +(1) 202-501-4444
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