Karbala governor says security plans flexible for Arbaeen, warns of power shortage

KARBALA, Iraq — The governor of Karbala, Nasif al-Khatabi, said security and service plans for the Arbaeen pilgrimage marking the 40th day after Ashura will be applied flexibly, with all security and service units coordinating across the city and the holy shrines. Speaking after a broad meeting held to review those plans, the governor said joint operations rooms are addressing obstacles and evaluating fast solutions. He added that, under Prime Ministry instructions, buses will be used to transport pilgrims and the Prime Minister's office is overseeing the arrangements. According to information relayed to the press, other governorates, including Basra, are providing support to Karbala for the pilgrimage. The meeting also emphasized the role of media in promoting a positive public image of the visit. Al-Khatabi said Karbala is facing a serious shortfall in its electricity allocation and has asked the relevant ministry to increase the province's share. No further details on the additional power request were immediately available.