Ashura processions culminate across Pakistan amidst tight security

KARACHI/LAHORE/RAWALPINDI/PESHAWAR: Hundreds of thousands of mourners took out processions across Pakistan on Wednesday amid stringent security measures to observe Yaum-e-Ashura.

Yaum-e-Ashura, the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, commemorates the seventh-century martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussein (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in Karbala, Iraq. This day is observed with deep reverence worldwide to honour the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted companions in Karbala.

Processions were taken out in cities including Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Quetta, processions to pay homage to the martyrs of Karbala.

Comprehensive security arrangements had been made to avoid any untoward incidents during the mourning processions, and mobile phone services remained suspended in many areas along the procession routes.

Karachi

The main Ashura procession in Karachi concluded at Hussainian Iraniyan Kharadar. Starting from Nishtar Park, the procession followed its designated route through Numaish Chowrangi, MA Jinnah Road, Preedy, Saddar, Tibet Centre, Jamia Cloth, and Bolton Market before culminating at Hussainian Iraniyan Imambargah in Kharadar.

Renowned religious scholar Allama Syed Shahinshah Hussain Naqvi paid tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions during the Majlis, emphasizing the importance of following Imam Hussain’s life as a path to salvation.

He also appealed for support for the Muslims of Gaza and condemned Israeli atrocities.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, along with several ministers and MQM leaders, participated in the procession, distributing Sharbat among the mourners.

Lahore

The main Ashura procession in Lahore began at Nisar Haveli and reached Karbala Gamay Shah through traditional routes. Water and cold drinks were provided to the mourners along the procession routes. Security measures were tight, with mobile phone services suspended in many areas.

Rawalpindi

In Rawalpindi, the main Ashura procession started from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain and concluded at the old Imambargah after passing through its traditional routes. The procession saw heavy participation, and security was reinforced throughout the route.

Peshawar

The main procession in Peshawar commenced from Imambargah Agha Syed Ali Shah Rizvi and returned to the same Imambargah after passing through the traditional routes. BRT service remained closed in Peshawar for the second day as part of security measures.

Quetta

In Quetta, the main Ashura procession started from Alamdar Road and reached Imambargah Hazara Nasirabad through designated routes. Strict security arrangements were in place for the safety of the mourners, and a ban on motorcycle double riding was enforced.

Throughout Pakistan, Ulema and Zakireen highlighted the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and various aspects of the Karbala tragedy during their sermons and speeches.

Authorities ensured the safety of the participants. Stalls offering water, sharbat and other refreshments had been set up along the procession routes.

The Ashura processions were also taken in other major cities including in Sukkar, Hyderabad, Larkana, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan, Dera Ismail Khan, Parachinar, Gilgit, Skardu and other cities and towns across the country.

No untoward incident was reported from any part of the country during the Ashura processions.