Over 2,700 Muharram processions held peacefully nationwide

ISLAMABAD: Around 2,763 processions and 7,598 majalis are being on the 9th of Muharram under stringent security measures in the Federal Capital, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday.

He said comprehensive security arrangements have been implemented across the country for the processions and majalis. “Strict security measures have been enforced in 1,129 highly sensitive areas, with continuous monitoring through drones and CCTV cameras.”

Across Pakistan , including Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan, Islamabad, AJK, and GB, a total of 2,763 processions and 7,598 majalis are being held on 9th Muharram. I had the honour of visiting one of the largest processions of Pakistan in Rohri, Sindh. Our security agencies and…

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) July 5, 2025

The minister – who also visited the larges Muharram procession of the country being held in Sukkur for over 500 years – said the federal government’s central monitoring cell is operational 24/7 and closely coordinating with provincial governments.

According to a statement by the interior ministry, Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State Tallal Chaudhry, and Interior Secretary Khurram Agha are personally overseeing the monitoring and coordination processes.

Giving a breakdown of the Muharram observance, the ministry said that on 9th Muharram, 61 majalis and 17 processions in Islamabad, 3,805 majalis and 1,677 processions in Punjab, 1,207 majalis and 644 processions in Sindh, and 939 majalis and 261 processions are being held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Moreover, it added, 115 majalis and 11 processions in Balochistan, 1,290 majalis and 111 processions in Gilgit-Baltistan, and 181 majalis and 42 processions are being held in AJK.

“Law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to maintain law and order. The security plans have been developed in consultation with provincial governments, and zero tolerance will be observed regarding hate speech or sectarian provocations. Central and provincial control rooms have been activated for real-time coordination and response.”

The interior minister emphasized that religious incitement on social media will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

He stressed that maintaining law and order is the top priority, and that law enforcement agencies are fully vigilant to foil the malicious designs of Fitna-e-Hindustan.

“InshaAllah, Ashura will remain peaceful through the efforts of the government and tireless dedication of security forces,” he said emphasising that the enemy’s evil intentions have never succeeded in the past and will not succeed this time either.