Ashura observed peacefully in Faisalabad

Police say 4,000 officials and 2,000 volunteers were on duty during Muharram 9 and 10

FAISALABAD: Ashura was observed peacefully in the district while no untoward incident was reported.

A police official said that 26 majalis were arranged while 153 processions were taken out in various parts of the district on Ashura.

The main mourning procession started from Imambargah Jaffriya Trust. The participants marched on various roads including Narwala Road, Bhowana Bazaar, Clock Tower Chowl, Katchery Bazaar, Gol Bazaar, Rail Bazaar, Amin Pur Bazaar and Kotwali Chowk. Other processions also joined them at Clock Tower Chowk, the official said.



He added that seven majalis and four processions were held in Iqbal division, six majalis and 37 processions in Jaranwala division, six majalis and 13 processions in Lyallpur division and four majalis and 24 processions in Madina division.

Police made tight security arrangements for Ashura by providing a four-layered security detail to processions, he stated.

There were more than 4,000 officials and 2,000 volunteers on duty, he revealed adding that 4 SPs, 13 DSPs, 30 inspectors, 120 sub inspectors and 409 assistant sub inspectors were among these officials.

As many as 10 teams from the Elite Force and 15 teams from the Quick Response Unit were patrolling sensitive areas while more than 600 officials were on standby to deal with an emergency situation.

Rescue 1122 provides first aid

Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 provided first aid to 41,720 injured mourners across the province and shifted 837 individuals who were seriously injured to hospitals during Muharram 9 and 10.

The mourners, who sustained injuries due to self-flagellation, were given first aid while those with severe injuries and deep cuts were shifted to hospitals.



A total of 11,000 rescuers and 826 emergency vehicles were deputed to provide medical and rescue services all over Punjab. In Lahore 900 rescuers remained on emergency alert with 50 fully equipped emergency ambulances, 266 motorbike ambulances, 18 fire vehicles, two snorkels, seven specialised vehicles, six rescue vehicles, one water rescue van and one recovery vehicle.

Head of Operations Ayaz Aslam briefed the director general that emergency plans for Muharram were implemented in close coordination with the deputy commissioners across the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23^rd, 2018.