Yaum-e-Ashur, also known as the 10th of Muharram, is being observed on Saturday across the country to honor and pay homage to the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions in the tragic events of Karbala.
In commemoration of this day, mourning processions are taking place in all cities and towns of the country. Religious scholars and preachers, known as Ulema and zakireen, are actively emphasizing the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain and reflecting on various aspects of the Karbala tragedy.
Ensuring Safety and Security
Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place to avoid any untoward incidents during the processions. Authorities are determined to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants and mourners.
Lahore
The main Zuljinnah procession in Lahore commenced from Nisar Haveli, Mochi Gate on Saturday morning. The procession follows its traditional route, passing through various significant locations, including Kashmiri Bazaar, Masjid Wazir Khan, Rang Mahal, Paniwala Talab, Bazaar Hakiman, Taxali, and Bhati Gate.
Throughout the procession, mourners hold Majalis-e-Azadari at main chowks along the route and participate in self-flagellation rituals as a symbolic expression of grief. Security measures in Lahore include the deployment of 11,000 personnel from the Punjab Police, monitoring through 400 CCTV cameras and drones, and snipers stationed on building rooftops.
Karachi
In Karachi, the main Ashura procession departs from Nishtar Pak and culminates at the Hussainia Irania Imambargah in Kharadar, following its traditional path. The procession is led by a squad of Pak Buturab Scouts, and more than 4,500 police officers have been deployed for security purposes. As a precautionary measure, mobile phone services have been suspended along the procession routes.
Multan and Mirpur Khas
In Multan and Mirpur Khas, the main mourning processions of Ashura were taken out from Imambargah Heera Haideria and Haideri Imambargah, respectively, and proceeded on their traditional routes. Both cities have strict security arrangements in place, with thousands of police officers and personnel ensuring the peaceful observance of the processions.
Faisalabad and Gujranwala
In Faisalabad, the main procession departed from Imambargah Azakhana Shabbir and will culminate at Ghanta Ghar Chowk. The city has deployed over 6,000 personnel for security, including the use of CCTV cameras to monitor the situation.
Similarly, in Gujranwala, the main procession commenced from Imambargah Golistan Marfat. The city has also imposed a rain emergency due to intermittent rain, but the spirit of the occasion remains unwavering. The use of CCTV cameras on procession routes ensures the safety of the participants.
Quetta
The main Zuljinnah procession in Quetta started from Imambargah Hussaini in Nasirabad and is peacefully moving towards its destination. To ensure security, 6,000 police and Frontier Corps personnel have been deployed, with mobile services suspended along the route. The Pakistan Army remains on standby, ready to respond to any specific situations that may arise.
Read more: Mourners Observe Muharram 9 Processions amid strict security Measures
Rawalpindi and Hyderabad
Rawalpindi’s main procession began from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Teli Mohalla. The city has deployed 6,000 personnel from various security forces to ensure safety along the route. The use of secret cameras enhances monitoring capabilities.
Hyderabad’s main Ashura procession was organized by Anjuman Haidari and departed from Qadam Gah Maula Ali. The city has employed over 5,000 policemen and installed more than 50 CCTV cameras to secure the occasion.
Jhang and Sargodha
In Jhang, the main Muharram procession commenced from Imambargah Hussainia Darbar Gohar Shah, and the district is witnessing 164 large and small processions on Ashura. Over 3,000 policemen are ensuring security, with extensive monitoring through 700 CCTV cameras.
Sargodha’s main procession commenced from Imambargah Block No. 19. The district is witnessing 214 smaller processions and 224 majalis. Security measures are in place to ensure a safe commemoration of the event.
Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan
In Peshawar, 12 small and large mourning processions are taking place across the city. The first procession started from Imambargah Syed Agha Rizvi Shah and will end at Agha Mustafa Imambargah. Security arrangements include the deployment of approximately 13,000 police and security personnel.
In Dera Ismail Khan, the first main procession of Ashura began from Imambargah Bamon Shah and is proceeding on its traditional route. Security measures have been adopted, including the presence of Rangers and Pakistan Army troops.
Read more: Over 1 Lac Pakistanis visit Karbala, Iraq for Ashura Processions
Yaum-e-Ashur holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide as a day of remembrance and reflection. The observance of this day in Pakistan is a testament to the devotion and reverence people hold for the sacrifices made in Karbala. The elaborate security arrangements implemented by the authorities reflect their commitment to maintaining peace and harmony during the processions. As the country observes Yaum-e-Ashur, the spirit of unity and compassion prevails among the mourners, reinforcing the message of Hazrat Imam Hussain’s enduring legacy.
