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  • Muharram events end peacefully amid 170 arrests for online hate

Muharram events end peacefully amid 170 arrests for online hate

ISLAMABAD: A total of 4,836 processions and 5,480 Majalis, held across Pakistan on 10th Muharram to observe Ashura, concluded peacefully amid a crackdown on individuals allegedly spreading sectarian hate on social media.

Mobile service, suspended in several parts of the country, began resuming as the faithful wrapped up their religious activities.

In major cities, including Karachi, mobile and internet services were restored around 11:00pm, as these cities tend to remain active late into the night.

According to Interior Ministry, strict security measures were put in place across Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan to maintain law and order.

In Islamabad, 54 Majalis and 12 processions took place, 2,502 Majalis and 3,025 processions in Punjab, 1,040 Majalis and 1,039 processions in Sindh, 735 Majalis and 257 processions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while in Balochistan 32 Majalis and 24 processions held to observe Ashura.

Whereas 1,070 Majalis and 141 processions in Gilgit-Baltistan, and 47 Majalis and 41 processions were organised in in Azad Kashmir.

After the conclusion of 10th Muharram events, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and briefed him on the “overall situation and security arrangements across the country in connection with Youm-e-Ashura,” according to a post on the official X account of Shehbaz Sharif.

He appreciated the well-coordinated efforts of provincial governments, security forces, police, and Rangers in ensuring a peaceful and secure observance of Youm-e-Ashura across the country.

“I also commend the leadership of CM Punjab Mayram Nawaz Sharif, CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah, CM KPK Ali Amin Gandapur, CM Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti, CM GB Gulbar Khan, and PM AJK Anwar ul Haq for their effective oversight in this regard,” the PM wrote.

Action against online hatred

According to Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, over 7,500 surveillance cameras were used to live-monitor processions and gatherings throughout the province. More than 113,000 police personnel were deployed to maintain law and order.

The cyber patrol unit identified over 1,600 social media accounts promoting sectarian hate, leading to the arrest of 170 individuals and registration of FIRs under relevant laws.

Punjab police had intensified its crackdown since the start of Muharram against individuals spreading provocative and sectarian content on social media, arresting 18 people and registering 19 cases on 9th Muharram.

According to a police spokesperson, 25 incidents involving objectionable posts were reported during this period, with 16 linked to Facebook, three to WhatsApp, and six to other platforms. Action was taken in 19 of these cases.

Over the past week, Punjab police registered a total of 130 FIRs and arrested 148 individuals across the province for promoting hate speech or sectarian content online.

Security arrangements

According to Inspector General of Punjab Police, strict security measures were in place for Ashura across Punjab, with more than 147,000 police personnel deployed.

In Lahore alone, over 10,000 officers were on duty. Section 144 was enforced on the 10th of Muharram, with a ban on pillion riding, drone usage, and suspension of mobile services along key procession routes.

More than 600 majalis and around 117 processions peacefully ended in Lahore. The central Zuljinnah procession began at Nisar Haveli and concluded at Karbala Gamay Shah, where the interior minister was also present.

Over 62,000 volunteers assisted with security arrangements, including female officers deployed to secure women mourners. Monitoring was being carried out via the safe cities authority, central police office, and district control rooms.

For traffic control, more than 400 inspectors and 2,200 officers were deployed, while updates were being provided through the Rasta app.

Maryam praised for ‘excellent Muharram arrangements’

Scholars and mourners across Punjab have lauded Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the “unprecedented and uniform” arrangements made throughout the province during Muharram, particularly on Ashura.

Participants of processions in Lahore and other cities expressed appreciation for the cleanliness of routes, effective security, and medical services including mobile clinics and field hospitals. Sabeels (water and refreshment stalls) and food distribution points were also well organised, according to attendees.

“This is the first time such uniform arrangements have been made from South to Central Punjab,” said mourners, praising the administration for ensuring smooth processions even in smaller towns.

They also appreciated the use of safe city cameras and drone surveillance to monitor processions in major urban centres.

Punjab governor hails peaceful atmosphere

Governor of Punjab Sardar Salim Haider also commended the peaceful environment during Muharram, stating that this year’s Ashura saw significant improvements in comparison to previous years.

Speaking after visiting various processions, the governor noted that citizens were able to observe their religious rituals with complete peace of mind. “Everyone in Pakistan has the right to practise their religion freely,” he said.

He added that the province’s security arrangements had been made “foolproof”, and pledged that next year’s preparations would be even better.

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