(Web Desk Monitoring) — The mourning processions in connection with Youm-e-Ashur, the tenth of Muharram-ul-Haram, have commenced across the country to honor Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted companions for their sacrifice in Karbala.
It is pertinent to mention here that mobile phone and internet services have been suspended in all cities, and Pakistan Army troops along with Civil Armed Forces (CAF) have been deployed to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.
This day serves as a poignant reminder of the unwavering resilience of Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his family, and devoted companions, who valiantly defended Islam against opposition and cruelty.
In his message on Ashura, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need for unity and facing forces of cruelty and evil with steadfastness, drawing lessons from the incident of Karbala. He appealed to the nation to uphold forbearance, hard work, and justice, while also addressing the needs of the poor and needy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed promoting equality, tolerance, unity, and discipline to counter internal and external threats facing the country. He advised drawing inspiration from the courage and fortitude of the martyrs of Karbala and urged everyone to overlook racial, professional, linguistic, and other differences to strengthen the nation.
Karachi
The mourning procession in Karachi began at Nishtar Park, with men, women, children, and the elderly participating. Allama Shehanshah Hussain Naqvi addressed the mourners at the beginning of the procession. Security measures include thorough checks for mourners entering designated areas. The procession, covering around 9-10km, will move from Numaish to Memon Masjid in Kharadar. Blood donation camps have been set up in honor of those who lost their lives in Karbala.
Lahore
The mourning procession in Lahore started at 8 am from Nisar Haveli. After praying “Namaz-e-Ali Akbar” the previous night, participants began their procession. The procession will follow its traditional route, with volunteers providing food and water (niaz and sabeel). For security, roads leading to Mochi Darwaza are blocked with containers and barbed wires, and a security check is set up at the main gate.
Peshawar
About 12 processions will be held in Peshawar today, starting with one from Imam Bargah Syed Ali Shah Rizvi at 11 am. To ensure security, around 14,000 police officers and bomb disposal unit personnel are deployed, with all procession routes blocked and mobile phone services suspended. The processions are being monitored through CCTV cameras.
Multan
In Multan, the central procession started from Imam Bargah Hira Haideri early in the day. Participants mourned and performed “zanjeer zani” at Chowk Ghala Godam. The procession will follow its usual route, ending at Dargah Shah Shams Tabrez after Namaz-e-Maghrib. A total of 116 processions and over 130 majalis will be held in Multan, with more than 6,000 security personnel deployed. CCTV monitoring is conducted for all prominent processions.
Rawalpindi and Islamabad
In Islamabad, the main procession will start from Imambargah Colonel Maqbool and end at Imambargah Qadeemi. In Rawalpindi, the first central mourning procession will depart from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain Teli Mohalla. Mobile phone service will remain partially suspended, and police jammers will be used along the traditional routes. Metro bus service will be suspended in Rawalpindi but operational from Faizabad to Federal Secretariat. Over 6,000 policemen and 900 traffic police personnel are deployed across the city.
Quetta
The Ashura procession in Quetta started from Alamdar Road at around 9 am, with phone services suspended for security.
Hyderabad
Strict security measures are in place in Hyderabad with over 4,000 personnel and officers ensuring the safety of the procession. All streets and shops along the route are closed, and a control room has been set up to monitor the procession.
Source: Private TV Channel
