Ashura processions culminate peacefully in different districts

District administrations ban pillion riding, display of arms

BAHAWALPUR/ MULTAN/ FAISALABAD: The martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions was peacefully commemorated as Youm-e-Ashura, the 10th day of the first Islamic month of Muharram, was observed amid heightened security measures in different districts of Punjab.

Tens of thousands of people thronged the streets in Faisalabad, Multan, Sargodha, Jhang and other districts while hundreds of small processions were taken out in connection with Ashura.



Strict security arrangements were taken by district administrations while thousands of police, scouts and volunteers performed security duty which included aerial surveillance by helicopters.

Mourners drink water from a sabeel in Multan. PHOTO: APP

Zuljinah, the imitation of the horse of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), also accompanied various processions and so did several craftily made tazias and alams. Mourners beat their chests and hurt their bare backs with razor sharp knives attached with chains as they expressed grief over the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions.

In addition, ‘Sabeels’ of drinks and eatables were present throughout the route of the processions. All entry points were sealed and every participant was searched, identified before being allowed to enter the processions.

The routes of the processions were cleared and three layered security was provided to the participants. Police personnel were deployed on rooftops of the buildings to keep any eye on any suspicious activity.



The district administrations banned pillion riding and no one was allowed to carry arms. Rescue 1122 officials, ambulances, civil defence and members of district peace committees accompanied the processions.

Labourers cook free food on Muharram 10. PHOTO: ONLINE

Emergency was also declared in tehsil and district hospitals to counter any untoward incident. All Ashura processions concluded peacefully and no unpleasant incident was reported from any district.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3^rd, 2017.