Ashura processions observed peacefully across Pakistan

Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram, was observed across the country on Wednesday to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted companions in Karbala.

Mourning processions were taken out in different cities and towns in all four provinces amid stringent security arrangements, with mobile phones and internet services affected in various areas marked sensitive.

Different provinces also enlisted the services of the Frontier Corps (FC) and the paramilitary Rangers with troops deployed at various points along with provincial and district police personnel.

In Karachi, the main procession emerged from Nishtar Park and, after passing through its traditional routes, concluded at Husainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar. Shehanshah Hussain Naqvi addressed the majlis at Nishtar park after which the procession started with the Butrab Scouts in the lead.

The mourning procession included the effigies of the coffins of the martyrs of Karbala, the horses decorated like Zuljinah, the horse of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), and cradles of babies slain in the event.

As per tradition, the matam associations performed self-flagellation with chains and knives. Sabeels of water and milk were placed in the main procession routes while food distribution and niaz and tabaruk were also distributed.

More than 200 commandos from the Security Services Unit (SSU) were deployed at different locations in the metropolitan for the security of mourners during the holy month of Muharram.

According to a spokesperson from the DIG Security and Emergency Services Division, SSU commandos, including females, were strategically deployed at various locations, including mourning processions, Imambargahs, congregational sites, sensitive areas, and procession routes. This deployment aimed to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

Expert marksmen were positioned atop high-rise buildings along the procession routes to provide additional security cover. The SSU headquarters monitored the processions through CCTV cameras. Moreover, a specialised command and control unit equipped with modern surveillance technology closely monitored the events.

In Lahore, the mourning procession began around 8am from Nisar Haveli. Last night, the mourners had prayed "Namaz-e-Ali Akbar" and after a period of rest, commenced their procession today.

The procession followed its traditional route, attracting a large crowd. In response to the turnout, volunteers set up stalls offering food and water (niaz and sabeel).

All roads leading to Mochi Darwaza were sealed with containers and barbed wires for security purposes. Additionally, a thorough security check was conducted at the main gate to screen everyone entering.

In Peshawar, about 12 processions were scheduled for Wednesday, starting with the first one at Imam Bargah Syed Ali Shah Rizvi at 11 am. Considering the city's security concerns, approximately 14,000 police officers were deployed and bomb disposal units were on hand to ensure the routes are safe.

All procession routes were blocked, and mobile phone services were suspended. Surveillance of the mourning processions was carried out through CCTV as well.

In Multan, the central procession commenced early on Wednesday from Imam Bargah Hira Haideri. As the congregation reached Chowk Ghala Godam, they engaged in "zanjeer zani," a form of mourning.

The procession continued along its customary path, passing through Lakkar Mandi Chowk, Ghanta Ghar, Water Works Road, among other areas, and concluded at Dargah Shah Shams Tabrez with the Namaz-e-Maghrib.

Several smaller processions merged with the central one. Overall, Multan hosted 116 Youm-e-Ashur processions and over 130 majalis, with more than 6,000 security personnel, in addition to volunteers, ensuring safety.

In Gilgit, the main procession was taken out from Central Imamia Mosque which circled back to the same place after passing through its traditional routes. In Rawalpindi, six major central mourning processions were taken out, with all preparations completed.

The processions followed their traditional routes and culminated at noon at the Markazi Imambargah Qadeemi, with the Majlis Sham-e-Ghariban scheduled for 8 pm.

The first central mourning procession departed from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain Teli Mohalla at 12:30 pm, joining the main procession as it passed through Committee Chowk, Murree Road, Iqbal Road, and Alam Khan Road.

The mourning procession of Colonel Maqbool Hussain started at 1:30 pm, followed by the procession from Imambargah Hifazat Ali Shah Bohar Bazar at 3:30 pm.

The processions from Imambargah Shaheedan-e-Karbala, Tyre Bazar, and Imambargah Darbar Shah Bin Chirag also commenced at 3:30 pm and 4 pm, respectively. All these processions merged along the route and culminated at Sarafa Bazar Chowk.

Before the mourning processions begin, a majlis was held in each Imambargah. Mourning rituals and zanjirzani were observed at all intersections. During the processions, participants performed Zuhr and Asr prayers at Fawara Chowk, and Maghrib and Isha prayers at Jamia Masjid Road.

In the afternoon, a central assembly at Fawara Chowk was addressed by Allama Qamar Haider Zaidi. Cold water, sharbat, tea, sabeels, and free meals (langar) were distributed along all routes, and medical camps were set up at every square.

Special arrangements were also made for evening prayers, with another mourning procession taken out from Imambargah Baltistan Syedpur Road. This procession passed through Syedpur Road, Bani Road, Bani Chowk Jamia Masjid Road, and culminated at Imambargah Qadeemi at 7 pm.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his Youm-e-Ashur message, said that the supreme sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) serve as a reminder, inspiring humanity to stand against falsehood and oppression, reaffirming the unwavering commitment to truth on this significant occasion of Youm-e-Ashur.

The prime minister emphasised that the tragic events of Youm-e-Ashur resonate deeply within believers, serving as an enduring reminder of the sacrifices for truth and justice. He highlighted Imam Hussain’s (RA) courageous stand against Yazid’s oppressive rule in Karbala, illustrating his unwavering perseverance.

President Asif Ali Zardari stressed upon the need of display of unity and facing the forces of cruelty and evil with steadfastness while learning lessons from the incident of Karbala.

In a message on Youm-e-Ashur, he underscored that they should shun aside their personal interests for the sake of the welfare and betterment of the nation and should not desist from giving any sacrifice while achieving this objective.

The president also appealed to the entire nation to stand for forbearance, hard work and justice, besides realising the requirements of the poor and the needy, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release on Tuesday.

It stated that Youm-e-Ashur had a significant place in Islamic history, the day reminded them of the shahadat of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), grandson of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) on the battlefield of Karbala.

Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) along with his faithful companions laid down their lives for the revival of Islamic values and the rights of the Ummah while strongly resisting the forces of cruelty and tyranny, it added.