Mourners thronged Islamabad's main Chehlum procession on Monday, an observance shadowed by extraordinary security precautions in response to a recent surge in terrorist activity. The commemoration of Imam Hussain (AS) unfolded without incident, even as religious leaders voiced concerns over the restrictions and the broader climate of sectarian tension. Main Developments Rawalpindi will observe Chehlum on Tuesday, with the district administration declaring a public holiday within municipal limits stretching from Faizabad to Marrir Chowk. The holiday applies to all public and private educational institutions in Tehsil Rawalpindi, but excludes Cantonment areas, according to Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir's notification. Metro Bus service between Saddar and Faizabad will be partially suspended, while shops, banks, and educational institutions along Murree Road and Raja Bazaar will remain closed. The procession route has been sealed, with control rooms activated at Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation offices and surveillance via Safe City Project CCTV cameras. Read also: Swat Bombing Toll Climbs to 19: 4 Key Updates The central procession in Rawalpindi will start from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain, Imambargah Hifazat Ali Shah, and Imambargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain. Zuljanah processions from Imambargah Shohada-e-Karbala, Tyre Bazaar, and the shrine of Sakhi Shah Chan Chiragh will merge with it. Background Islamabad's main procession commenced at Imam Bargah Asna Ashri G-6/2, winding through Service Road G-6, Lal Quarter, G-6/1-2, and Melody before returning to its starting point. The event drew a large number of mourners despite the heightened security posture. Religious leaders from Tehreek Nifaz Fiqh-i-Jaferia (TNFJ) and Shia Ulema Council (SUC) have demanded that Islamabad authorities gradually ease security measures, allowing locals to participate openly. Residents of G-6 echoed this sentiment, seeking to distribute niaz and set up sabeels along the route. Why It Matters The heavy security reflects escalating concerns over terrorism, with leaders linking the threat to external aggression. Allama Arif Wahidi of SUC asserted that recent US and Israeli actions against Iran have united the nation, stating, "We as a nation are able to beat the aggression of the enemy, may it be the external foes or local terrorists." Wahidi also criticized the Punjab government for registering cases against procession organizers, calling the practice "totally unethical" and warning it would embolden extremists. The balancing act between security and religious freedom remains a flashpoint, as communities seek to maintain traditional observances under threat. What's Next During Tuesday's Rawalpindi procession, TNFJ chief Allama Agha Syed Hussain Muqaddasi will visit the sacred relics, and Zanjeer Zani will be performed at Habib Bank Chowk. Mourning camps by Mukhtar Students Organisation and Mukhtar Organisation will be set up at Fawara Chowk on Jamia Masjid Road. Volunteer security will be provided by Ibrahim Scouts, Mukhtar Force, and TNFJ Arbaeen Committee members. According to Dr Syed Aoun Kazmi, convener of the TNFJ Arbaeen Hussaini Committee, the procession will follow its route through Tyre Bazaar Chowk, Jamia Masjid Road, and Pul Shah Nazar Diwan, concluding at the historic Qadeem Imambargah at night.