Pakistan
Youm-e-Ashure being observed today across Pakistan
The faithful have set up sabeels to distribute food and water among the people in a bid to pay homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain R.A.
Lahore: Youm-e-Ashur, the tenth of Moharram-ul-Haram, is being observed today (Wednesday) across the country with due solemnity to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted companions in Karbala.
In this connection, mourning processions are being taken out in all cities and towns of the country.
Ulema and Zakireen are highlighting the bright and candid teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (Razi Allah ho Ta'ala Anho) and various aspects of Karbla tragedy.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made to avoid any untoward incident during the mourning processions.
Lahore:
The main Ashura procession in Lahore emerged from Nisar Haveli inside Mochi Gate and reached Mohalla Shiyan. The procession will follow designated routes, passing through Rang Mahal Chowk, China Chowk, Sunehri Mosque, and Tehsil Bazaar, before concluding at Karbala Gamay Shah. There, a central mourning assembly will be held to pay tribute to the martyrs of Karbala, followed by Sham-e-Ghariban. Participants in the procession continue to perform chest-beating and self-flagellation.
Karachi:
In Karachi, the main Ashura procession has commenced, moving along its designated route including M.A. Jinnah Road and Tibet Centre, and will end at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar. Mourning groups in the procession are engaging in chest-beating and self-flagellation to honor the martyrs of Karbala.
During the procession, mobile phone services in various parts of Karachi have been disrupted, and there is a ban on double riding on motorcycles, display of weapons, and use of heli-cams and drones.
Before the procession, a central assembly took place at Nishtar Park, where Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi addressed the attendees, paying tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs of Karbala and spreading their message.
Rawalpindi/Islamabad:
The central Ashura procession in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi emerged from the Colonel Maqbool Imambargah. Security for the main procession is stringent, with 6,000 police officers deployed along the route and around 900 traffic police officers managing traffic duties. Over 2,900 officers are assigned to the main procession, with walk-through gates installed at entry points and CCTV cameras monitoring the event.
Quetta:
In Quetta, the main Ashura procession began from Shaheed Alamdar Road Chowk. The procession will follow traditional routes, passing through Alamdar Road, Toghi Road, Meezan Chowk, and Liaquat Bazaar, and will conclude back at Alamdar Road. Thirty-two mourning groups will participate, with the procession expected to end by evening. Strict security measures have been implemented, with all routes leading to the procession sealed off and more than 6,600 personnel deployed.
Peshawar:
Twelve Ashura processions will emerge from various Imambargahs in Peshawar, with the first procession starting at 11 AM from the Syed Ali Shah Rizvi Imambargah. Security for the processions involves 14,000 police officers and personnel from the bomb disposal unit. All roads leading to the processions are sealed and mobile phone services are suspended. The processions are being monitored via CCTV cameras.
On the 9th of Muharram, processions and assemblies were held, with the main procession in Karachi starting from Nishtar Park and concluding at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar, attended by a large number of mourners. Tight security measures were in place along the procession routes.
In Lahore, the main procession of the 9th of Muharram followed its designated route and concluded at Pando Street, where mourners participated in elegies and chest-beating. Similar processions also took place in Peshawar, Quetta, Rawalpindi, and other cities, concluding at their respective destinations.
It is important to note that due to security concerns, mobile phone and internet services have been partially or completely suspended in various districts across the country, including Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta, and are expected to be restored by late night.