Ashura processions started culminating peacefully on Sunday evening after two days of majalis and tazia gatherings under tight security arrangements across Pakistan on 9th and 10th of Muharram.
Ashura processions arrived at their destinations peacefully across Punjab on Sunday evening after passing through their traditional routes.
Punjab
In Lahore, the main Shabih-e-Zuljinnah procession culminated at Karbala Gamay Shah. A large number of people participated in the procession, which was taken out from the historic Nisar Haveli in the Walled City on Saturday evening. The main procession touched more than 200 imambarghah of the Walled City before culminating at Karbala Gamay Shah. Foolproof security arrangements were made for the participants.
In Gujranwala, the main Youm-e-Ashur procession was taken out from the central Imambargah Gulistan-e-Ma’arfat. After passing through areas like Clock Tower Chowk and Guru Nanak Pura on its traditional route, the procession culminated at Imambargah Gulistan-e-Ma’arfat.
The provincial local government minister, division commissioner, regional police officer, deputy commissioner and the city police officer visited the route of the Muharram procession to review the security arrangements.
Heavy contingents of police provided security cover to the faithful participating in 77 majalis and 89 processions across the district. Processions and majalis were also monitored through CCTVs. At least 3,500 police personnel performed Muharram security duties on Sunday.
In Chiniot, Youm-e-Ashur was observed with the traditional religious zeal. Deputy Commissioner Safiullah Gondal and District Police Officer Abdullah Ahmad remain present at the main control romm, which was set up at the Tarkhanan ground. At the end of the day, Gondal thanked all the stakeholders for maintaining peace in the district on the martyrdom day of Hazrat Imam Hussain (May God Be Pleased with Him) and dozens of other members of his family. Police personnel also remained on high alert throughout the day.
In Murree, all major Muharram processions culminated peacefully. The local administration had made foolproof security arrangements for the day. More than 700 police personnel, civil defence personnel, Rescue1122 personnel, Muhafiz Force personnel and Municipal Corporation personnel provided security cover to the people taking part in these processions. Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi and District Police Officer Asif Ameen Awan thanked the stakeholders for their cooperation.
In Faisalabad, the main Shabih-e-Zuljinnah procession of Youm-e-Ashur culminated at Imambargah Azakhana-e-Shabbir. Muharram processions also culminated peacefully in Pattoki, Arifwala, Burewala, Bhakkar, Alipur, Sialkot, Daska, Shakargarh, Jhelum, Dera Ghazi Khan and Muzaffargarh.
Sindh
In Karachi, the central procession began at Nishtar Park amid strict security measures implemented across the city to ensure the safety of mourners participating in the event. The central procession from Nishtar Park began after the main majlis, which was scheduled for this morning. It then proceeded along its traditional route and concluded at the Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.
The procession followed its traditional routes from Nishtar Park to Kharadar, passing through key areas such as MA Jinnah Road. According to the traffic police, all roads from Numaish to Kharadar have been closed, except Bab-e-Urdu Chowk.
A detailed traffic diversion plan for Muharram 8 to 10 was devised and shared earlier by the traffic police. To ensure comprehensive security, a heavy deployment of police and Rangers has been made throughout Karachi.
A total of 20,350 officers and personnel are on duty for security. The procession route were thoroughly checked using sniffer dogs, and sharpshooters were positioned on rooftops of tall buildings along the route. Mobile phone services were partially suspended in areas surrounding the procession to maintain close surveillance and prevent any security threats.
Balochistan
In the provincial capital Quetta, the main Muharram procession concluded peacefully at the central Nachari-Hazara Imambargah on Alamdar Road on Sunday evening. At least 35 processions merged into the main procession before it culminated. Strict security measures were taken for the safety of the people participating the religious activity. During these processions, mobile services remained suspended in seven districts of Balochistan, including Quetta.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The first Ashura procession in Peshawar commenced from Imambargah Agha Syed Ali Razi Shah on Sunday as Ashura events continue across the city. A total of 12 processions are scheduled throughout the day to mark Yaum-e-Ashura. District authorities deployed around 12,000 police personnel across Peshawar to maintain law and order throughout the day.
Twin Cities
'City-wide stringent security arrangements have been put in place ahead of Muharram,' said CPO Rawalpindi Police Khalid Mehmood Hamdani.
Civil Defence, police, and other security agencies are actively working to maintain law and order during the sacred month.
Special teams have been assigned to monitor sectarian content and individuals spreading propaganda on social media.
The public has been urged to cooperate with security forces to help ensure peace and stability.
Law enforcement agencies are performing their duties around the clock with dedication and commitment.
Security measures include route monitoring, traffic diversions and coordination with local religious organisers. No major incidents were reported as of early afternoon.
In Islamabad, Inspector General of Police Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, reviewed security arrangements for Ashura processions.
Rizvi visited key procession sites in I-10, F-11, and Jhungi Syedan, accompanied by senior police officers. He said security in the capital remains on high alert to ensure peaceful observance of 10th Muharram.
According to the police chief, 12 processions and 48 gatherings are scheduled in Islamabad on Ashura. Over 4,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed across the district.
A total of 57 security checkpoints have been set up, with strict screening procedures in place for all attendees. Lady police officers have been stationed for women’s security checks.
“All activities are being monitored through Safe City surveillance, body-worn cameras, and drones,” Rizvi said. Central and mobile control rooms are overseeing security operations in real-time.
In the memory of sacrifices rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Hazrat Mohammad (peace be upon him), zuljinnah, alam, and taboot processions were taken out in different parts of the country to mark Youm-e-Ashur.
Earlier in the day, Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram-ul-Haram, was observed with due solemnity, devotion, religious reverence and respect to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted companions in Karbala centuries ago.
The unmatched sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions conveyed a powerful message of protecting the true spirit of Islam. Mourning processions were taken out in all cities and towns of the country to remember this eternal martyrdom of the grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).
Ulema and Zakireen highlighted the bright and candid teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and various aspects of the Karabla tragedy.