Youm-e-Ashur observed across country with due solemnity

Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram, was observed on Tuesday 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.

Muharram is the month of mourning for the seventh-century martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Mourning processions were taken out across the country amid strict security arrangements. Ulema and Zahireen highlighted the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and various aspects of the Karbala tragedy during the processions.

The main procession in Karachi was taken out from Nishtar Park after majalis which concluded after passing through the traditional routes at Imam Bargah-e-Hussainan Iranian.

In Karachi and other major cities of Sindh, more than 55,000 security personnel were deployed for the security of the mourning processions. Moreover, mobile phone and internet services remained suspended under the security plan. Pillion riding was also banned.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh, police and other law enforcement agencies personnel were deployed on the routes to provide security, while the roads and streets around the procession route were sealed.

In Punjab, mourning processions were taken out in all cities and towns. In Lahore, the main Shabih-e-Zuljinah procession of 10th Muharram was taken out from Nisar Haveli inside Mochi Gate of the Old Walled City which culminated at Karbala Gaamay Shah during the evening hours, where Shaam-e-Ghareeban was also held.

Under the comprehensive security plan, "foolproof security measures" were taken throughout the province. More than 900 CCTV cameras were installed along routes of the main processions and other sensitive areas to keep a strict check on all activities.

The main procession in Rawalpindi was taken out from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain. Rawalpindi police along with other law enforcement agencies made strict security arrangements, with around 6,000 police personnel deployed to guard the central procession.

Mobile phone and Internet service were suspended while barbed wire and containers were placed on roads to seal the main procession routes.

Speaking to the media, Rawalpindi CPO Shahzad Bukhari said all processions in the city are "sensitive" and the main procession was guarded by around 6,000 law enforcement personnel.

Pakistan Army’s 111-brigade remained on high alert and on standby while Punjab Rangers acted as a backup for police personnel deployed on the procession route. There was a complete ban on pillion riding in areas near the processions.

PM's message on Ashura

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on Ashura, said "the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his family drew a distinct line between the forces of truth & falsehood, and the oppressor & the oppressed".

"The great Imam established a moral principle that has animated the struggles for right to self-determination."

The premier added that Imam Hussain’s message of “resistance and defiance will continue to inspire humanity to aspire for a moralistic world order that is based on universal principles of equality and freedom”.

PM Shehbaz stressed the need for seeking guidance from the exemplary character of Imam Hussain and his companions as “humanity navigates multiple challenges and seeks to break the logjam it finds itself in”.

He added that Imam Hussain "represents a voice of the voiceless and is an advocate of unity, brotherhood, morality and truth".