Ashura processions culminate peacefully across Pakistan under tight security

ISLAMABAD: Ashura processions commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions culminated peacefully across Pakistan on Friday, with major mourning gatherings held in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and other cities under stringent security arrangements.

Thousands of mourners participated in processions and majalis across the country to mark the 10th of Muharram, paying tribute to the sacrifices made in the Battle of Karbala.

Federal and provincial authorities had deployed tens of thousands of security personnel, while surveillance systems, mobile monitoring units and emergency response teams remained on high alert to ensure public safety.

SINDH

In Karachi, the central Ashura procession emerged from Nishtar Park after a majlis addressed by Allama Shehenshah Hussain Naqvi.

The procession passed through its traditional route via Numaish Chowrangi, Tibet Centre, MA Jinnah Road, Jamea Cloth Market, Lighthouse and Bolton Market before concluding at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.

Mourners offered Zuhrain prayers at Tibet Centre, while volunteers set up sabeels, distributed food and refreshments, and established medical camps along the route. Security remained tight throughout the procession.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed satisfaction over the peaceful observance of Ashura across the province and praised the efforts of the police, Rangers, Pakistan Army, district administration and municipal authorities.

He said the peaceful conclusion of Ashura processions reflected the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies, religious scholars, procession organisers and citizens.

He also thanked religious leaders for promoting sectarian harmony and helping maintain an atmosphere of unity during Muharram.

PUNJAB

In Lahore, the central Zuljanah procession began from Nisar Haveli and concluded at Karbala Gamay Shah after passing through its traditional route.

Lahore police said Ashura remained peaceful due to a comprehensive security plan that included the use of QR code verification, panic buttons and other technology-based monitoring systems.

Capital City Police Officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana commended police officers and personnel for performing their duties despite extreme weather conditions and thanked citizens, procession organisers and the media for their cooperation.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also expressed satisfaction over the security and administrative arrangements across the province, praising police, Rescue 1122, local government departments, health authorities and sanitation teams.

She said special measures, including water distribution points, medical camps, rose-water sprinkling and misting through smog guns, had helped facilitate mourners during the hot weather.

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan visited the central procession in Lahore and later reviewed security arrangements in Rawalpindi’s Raja Bazaar, where he also met mourners and inspected medical camps and sabeels established for participants.

QUETTA

In Quetta, the central Ashura procession started from Shohada Chowk on Alamdar Road and concluded at the same location after passing through Meezan Chowk, Liaquat Bazaar, Prince Road and Mekangi Road.

More than 15,000 personnel from the police, Frontier Corps, Balochistan Constabulary and other law enforcement agencies were deployed across the city.

Authorities also monitored the procession through Safe City cameras, private surveillance cameras and drones, while hospitals remained on emergency alert and special control rooms were established to oversee security.

Inspector General of Police Moazzam Mohammad Tahir said security had been arranged according to the sensitivity of processions across the province, with Quetta’s central procession receiving the highest level of protection.

KP

In Peshawar, the main Ashura procession concluded peacefully under strict security, with police and other law enforcement agencies maintaining a heavy presence along procession routes and around Imambargahs.

 Entry points were monitored through multi-layered security checks, while emergency services remained on standby.

Across Gilgit-Baltistan, central processions in Gilgit, Skardu and other districts also concluded peacefully.

Security personnel and volunteers remained deployed along procession routes, while local administrations ensured arrangements for medical assistance, traffic management and public services.

Authorities across Pakistan had imposed comprehensive security measures for Ashura, including the deployment of police, Rangers, Frontier Corps and, where required, the Pakistan Army.

Surveillance cameras, drone monitoring, mobile command centres and emergency response teams were activated in major cities, while traffic plans and temporary road closures were implemented to facilitate processions.

No major security incident was reported during the observance of Ashura, with officials describing the peaceful culmination of processions as the result of close coordination among law enforcement agencies, civil administration, religious scholars, volunteers and the public.