Brig. Tarique Quadir Lakhiar (R) Orders Ashura Emergency Standby; SIEHS 1122 Ambulances Deployed Across Sindh

Brig. Tarique Quadir Lakhiar (R), CEO-SIEHS, has ordered a comprehensive Ashura emergency standby. From June 24–26, 2026, SIEHS 1122 ambulances will be strategically deployed across key procession routes in Karachi to ensure faster emergency response during the most significant days of Muharram.

This planned deployment reflects SIEHS’s 24/7 emergency ambulance response commitment to public safety during mass gatherings. Field teams will be positioned closer to high-foot-traffic areas, reducing response time and ensuring immediate care for health emergencies. Here’s what this means for you and how to stay safe during Ashura.

What is Ashura and Why Does It Matter?

Ashura, observed on 10 Muharram (June 26, 2026), holds deep significance in the Islamic calendar, especially for Shia community. It marks the historical tragedy of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Across Sindh, Ashura draws thousands of mourners to processions and gatherings. This scale combined with outdoor crowds, long walking distances, and intense emotional participation makes emergency preparedness essential.

The SIEHS 1122 Ashura Emergency Standby: What It Is

The Ashura emergency standby is a planned deployment of trained ambulance teams positioned near major procession routes during 8, 9, and 10 Muharram (June 24–26, 2026). Instead of waiting for emergencies to happen, SIEHS stations ambulances closer to high-foot-traffic areas. This reduces response time and ensures immediate care for health emergencies.

The standby also strengthens coordination between SIEHS field teams, Imam Bargah organizers, local authorities, and volunteers. When everyone is aligned, medical concerns are handled faster and more effectively.

SIEHS 1122 Ambulance Deployment Locations & Schedule

Sindh Integrated Emergency & Health Services (SIEHS) will deploy ambulances across the following key areas in Karachi during Ashura:

Major Deployment Zones:

• Baldia-Kemari area: Near Imam Bargah al-Hussain and procession routes toward Nishtar Park
• Nishtar Park corridor: Central gathering point; high foot traffic expected
• Malir district: Coverage for southern procession routes
• Ancholi area: East-side Imam Bargah and surrounding neighborhoods
• Korangi routes: Extended coverage for southeastern districts
• Central Karachi (East & South districts):  Main Ashura procession on 10 Muharram

How to Locate an Ambulance: Call 1122 at any time. Provide your location (nearest landmark, street name, or procession area), and dispatch will route the nearest available ambulance to you.

Why Ashura Processions Require Emergency Preparedness

Ashura processions in Karachi are large, crowded, and emotionally intense. Participants walk for hours in outdoor conditions, often during peak summer heat. Road closures and traffic diversions mean:

• Limited ambulance access: Emergency vehicles may face blocked routes
• Vulnerable populations: Elderly mourners, children, and people with chronic health conditions are at higher risk
• Distance from hospitals: Some procession areas are far from medical facilities
• Communication delays: In crowded areas, it’s hard to call for help or reach medical staff

SIEHS positioning ambulances near procession routes directly solves these problems. Patients receive care within minutes, not hours.

Common Health Emergencies During Ashura Processions

Most people attend Ashura processions safely. However, crowds and outdoor conditions can trigger health emergencies:

Heat-Related Emergencies:

• Dehydration and heat exhaustion
• Fainting or dizziness
• Heat stroke (high fever, confusion, loss of consciousness)

Cardiac & Breathing Issues:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Breathing difficulty
• Irregular heartbeat (especially in people with known heart conditions)

Injuries:

• Sprains, fractures, or falls in crowded areas
• Head injuries from falls
• Minor cuts and bruising

Pre-Existing Condition Flare-Ups:

• Diabetes: low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Asthma attacks
• Seizures
• High blood pressure complications

What to Bring & How to Prepare for Ashura Processions

Being prepared reduces your risk. Use this checklist before attending:

Essential to Carry:

• ✓ Water or electrolyte drinks
• ✓ Any prescribed medications in original containers
• ✓ A small first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, pain relief)
• ✓ A charged mobile phone with 1122 saved as a contact
• ✓ An ID card or document with your name and emergency contact
• ✓ A whistle or noisemaker (to signal for help in crowds)
• ✓ Comfortable, supportive shoes

Before You Go:

• Inform a family member where you’re going and when you’ll return
• If you have a medical condition, wear a visible ID bracelet or carry a health card
• Take your regular medications on time, don’t skip doses
• Eat a light meal before attending; avoid heavy foods
• Get adequate sleep the night before
• Inform the organizers if you require a wheelchair or mobility assistance

During the Procession:

• Stay hydrated; drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Take breaks in shaded areas if you feel unwell
• Keep an eye on elderly family members and children
• If someone nearby collapses, alert nearby volunteers or call 1122 immediately for rapid pre-hospital medical care
• Never leave a patient unattended while waiting for help

Health Tips for Vulnerable Groups: Elderly, Children & People With Chronic Conditions

For Elderly Participants (60+):

• Attend with a companion who knows your medical history
• Take frequent rest breaks, even if you feel fine
• Avoid standing for extended periods; sit in shaded areas when possible
• Keep your blood pressure and diabetes medications with you
• If you use a walking aid (cane, walker), bring it
• Watch for signs of confusion, dizziness, or memory lapses

For Children Attending Ashura:

• Keep them within arm’s reach in crowded areas
• Ensure they wear comfortable, light-colored clothing and hats
• Give them water frequently, children dehydrate faster than adults
• Identify a meeting point in case you get separated
• Teach them to alert an adult if they feel unwell
• Avoid bringing very young children (under 5) to peak-hour processions (morning/evening)

For People With Chronic Health Conditions:

• Diabetes: Carry fast-acting sugar (glucose tablets, juice) in case of low blood sugar
• Asthma: Keep your rescue inhaler easily accessible, not in a bag
• Heart disease: Carry your medications; rest frequently
• High blood pressure: Limit sun exposure; stay hydrated
• Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet with your condition and emergency contact

Pre-Procession Medical Consultation: If you have a serious health condition, get free medical consultation from Tele Tabeeb 1123 Telemedicine Service. Ask whether it’s safe to attend and discuss any precautions.

How the Public Can Support Emergency Response

SIEHS ambulance teams work best when the public cooperates. Here’s how you can help:

Do:

• ✓ Move to the side immediately when you hear an ambulance siren or see emergency lights
• ✓ Create a clear path for ambulances to reach patients
• ✓ Alert volunteers or bystanders if someone collapses
• ✓ Call 1122 for real emergencies (severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, serious bleeding)
• Call Tele Tabeeb 1123 Telemedicine Service for non-emergencies (dizziness, bodyache)

• ✓ Stay calm and provide clear information when you call (location, symptoms, number of patients)
• ✓ Follow instructions from SIEHS staff

Don’t:

• ✗ Block ambulance routes or follow the ambulance
• ✗ Crowd around a patient unless you’re providing direct medical help
• ✗ Move an injured person unless they’re in immediate danger
• ✗ Call 1122 for non-emergencies (minor aches, general advice, traffic information)
• ✗ Ignore official instructions from organisers or emergency staff
• ✗ Record or photograph a patient in distress (respect privacy and dignity)

Coordination With Imam Bargah Organizers & Local Authorities

Medical preparedness during Ashura requires teamwork. SIEHS works with:

• Imam Bargah management: To identify high-risk participants and plan volunteer placements
• Procession organisers: To keep emergency lanes clear and communicate with attendees
• Local police and traffic authorities: To manage road closures and ambulance access
• Community volunteers: To identify people in distress and direct them to medical staff
• Hospitals and clinics: To ensure capacity for emergency referrals

When organisers, volunteers, and SIEHS teams communicate clearly, ambulances reach patients faster and emergencies are managed more effectively.

Why Emergency Preparedness Matters for Sindh

Ashura is not only a significant religious and cultural observance, it’s a major public event that demands careful emergency planning.

In Karachi, Ashura processions move through busy urban areas and attract tens of thousands of participants. When this many people gather outdoors for extended periods, health emergencies are inevitable. The question is not whether emergencies will occur, but how quickly they will be treated.

SIEHS’s Ashura emergency standby addresses this directly:

• Proximity: Ambulances stationed near processions, not across the city
• Readiness: Staff trained and briefed on expected health risks
• Coordination: Clear communication channels with organisers and volunteers
• Speed: Rapid response time, measured in minutes, not hours

By deploying ambulances strategically, Sindh Integrated Emergency & Health Services ensures that emergency care is available when and where it’s needed.

Conclusion

As Muharram approaches, Sindh Integrated Emergency & Health Services is ready. SIEHS 1122 ambulances will be positioned across Karachi’s procession routes from June 24–26, 2026, to respond to emergencies within minutes, not hours.

Your role is equally important. When you attend Ashura:

• Prepare in advance: Use the checklist above; carry water, medications, and a charged phone
• Stay alert: Watch for signs of distress in yourself and others
• Cooperate with emergency teams: Keep routes clear and provide accurate information when calling ambulance number in Sindh 1122
• Support vulnerable participants: Help elderly family members, children, and people with health conditions stay safe

If you or someone nearby needs help, call 1122 immediately. Emergency care is free, and every second counts.

During Ashura, we come together not only in remembrance, but also in mutual care and responsibility. SIEHS will be there, make sure we can reach you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ashura emergency standby by SIEHS 1122?

It is a planned deployment of ambulance teams and medical staff positioned near major procession routes during 8, 9, and 10 Muharram (June 24–26, 2026). The goal is to respond to health emergencies faster and provide immediate care during crowded processions.

Why is Ashura significant?

Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram, is a significant day in Islamic history, especially for Shia communities. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions at Karbala. In Sindh, Ashura is observed with large processions, gatherings, and communal prayers.

Who ordered the Ashura emergency standby?

Brig. Tarique Quadir Lakhiar (R), CEO-SIEHS Sindh Integrated Emergency & Health Services (SIEHS), ordered the standby to ensure safe observance.

Where will SIEHS 1122 ambulances be deployed?

Ambulances will be deployed across key procession routes and high-foot-traffic areas in Karachi, including:

• Baldia-Kemari
• Nishtar Park
• Malir
• Ancholi
• Korangi
• Central Karachi (East & South districts for the main procession)

See the section “SIEHS 1122 Ambulance Deployment Locations & Schedule” for detailed locations and timing.

What should I do if someone collapses during the procession?

1. Call 1122 immediately. Provide your exact location (nearest landmark, street, or area name) and describe the person’s symptoms.
2. Alert nearby volunteers or bystanders to help keep the area clear.
3. Stay with the person until ambulance staff arrive.
4. Do not move the person unless they’re in immediate danger (e.g., in the middle of a road).
5. If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them on their side to prevent choking.

How can I call 1122 in an emergency?

Dial 1122 from any phone (mobile or landline). You can call anytime during Ashura, even in crowded areas. When you call:

• Stay calm and speak clearly
• Tell them your location (street name, Imam Bargah, or nearby landmark)
• Describe the emergency (chest pain, fainting, injury, difficulty breathing, etc.)
• Answer all questions, this helps dispatch route the right ambulance to you

Can I pre-register with SIEHS if I have a medical condition?

SIEHS does not currently offer advance registration, but you can:

• Wear a medical alert bracelet with your condition and emergency contact
• Carry a small card with your medical history and medications
• Inform family members and companions about your condition
• Consult your doctor before attending if you have a serious health condition

For additional information, contact SIEHS at 1122 or visit www.siehs.org

What if the ambulance cannot reach me due to crowding?

Stay calm and:

1. Call 1122 and give your exact location
2. Alert nearby volunteers about your location
3. Move toward a side street or less crowded area if possible and safe
4. Ambulance dispatch will direct the nearest team to your location

Is there a cost for SIEHS ambulance services during Ashura?

SIEHS provides emergency ambulance services to all residents of Sindh. Emergency services are free. You do not need to pay for the ambulance ride.

What if I’m separated from my family during the procession?

• Identify a meeting point beforehand (e.g., a specific Imam Bargah, mosque, or landmark)
• Provide mobile numbers to all family members
• If you get separated, stay in a safe location and call your family
• If someone is missing, alert a volunteer or call 1122 for assistance