Yaum-e-Ashura processions commenced across the country on Sunday with stringent security measures in place including Rangers and police deployed in major cities and small towns.
Yaum-e-Ashura is solemnly observed evey year on Muharram 10 to pay homeage to Holy Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) grandson Imam Husain and other martyrs of Karbala.
On the day of Ashura, 4,836 processions and 5,480 majalis are being held across the country. A total of 1,301 areas have been declared highly sensitive, according to the Ministry of Interior.
Following the directives of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, a central monitoring cell in Islamabad is in continuous contact with provincial governments’ control rooms for real-time information exchange, the Ministry said.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, and Secretary Interior Khurram Agha are monitoring the situation moment by moment, the Ministry added.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is being regularly updated on the law and order situation nationwide.
Strict security measures are in place in Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan for Ashura.
In Islamabad, 54 majalis and 12 processions are taking place today. Punjab is hosting 2,502 majalis and 3,025 processions.
Sindh will see 1,040 majalis and 1,039 processions, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will have 735 majalis and 257 processions.
Balochistan will hold 32 majalis and 24 processions; Gilgit-Baltistan, 1,070 majalis and 141 processions; and Azad Kashmir, 47 majalis and 41 processions.
Ashura procession in Karachi
In Karachi, the central procession began at Nishtar Park amid strict security measures implemented across the city to ensure the safety of mourners participating in the event, Express News reported.
The central procession from Nishtar Park began after the main majlis, which was scheduled for this morning. The procession is to then proceed along its traditional route and conclude at the Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.
The procession will travel from Nishtar Park to Kharadar, passing through key areas such as MA Jinnah Road. According to the traffic police, all roads from Numaish to Kharadar have been closed, except Bab-e-Urdu Chowk.
متبادل راستہ* ٹریفک کو بمطابق پریس ریلیز چلایا جارہا ہے۔
— Karachi Traffic Police (@Khitrafficpol) July 6, 2025
*عوام الناس سے گزارش ہے کہ زحمت اور پریشانی سے بچنے کے لئے متبادل راستوں کے انتخاب کے لئے ٹریفک ہیلپ لائن 1915 ملائیں*
*ٹریفک پولیس ہیلپ لائن رہنما 1915*
*(ضلع: ایسٹ،ساؤتھ،سٹی)*
*Road Closure Alert*
- Time: 08:39 PM
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A detailed traffic diversion plan for Muharram 8 to 10 was devised and shared earlier by the trafiic police.
To ensure comprehensive security, a heavy deployment of police and Rangers has been made throughout Karachi.
A total of 20,350 officers and personnel are on duty for security. The procession route will be thoroughly checked using sniffer dogs, and sharpshooters will be positioned on rooftops of tall buildings along the route.
Mobile phone services will be partially suspended in areas surrounding the procession to maintain close surveillance and prevent any security threats.
Moreover, a ban on pillion riding has been enforced across the city as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incidents.
Traffic police officers have been deployed at all key intersections to maintain flow on alternative routes. Authorities said the goal was to keep movement smooth while ensuring public safety.
Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police helpline, Madadgar 15.
Ashura processions in Peshawar
The first Ashura procession in Peshawar commenced from Imambargah Agha Syed Ali Razi Shah on Sunday as Ashura events continue across the city.
A total of 12 processions are scheduled throughout the day to mark Yaum-e-Ashura.
District authorities have deployed around 12,000 police personnel across Peshawar to maintain law and order throughout the day.
Officials said all processions are expected to conclude before Maghrib (sunset) prayers.
Ashura processions in twin cities
'City-wide stringent security arrangements have been put in place ahead of Muharram,' said CPO Rawalpindi Police Khalid Mehmood Hamdani.
Civil Defence, police, and other security agencies are actively working to maintain law and order during the sacred month.
Special teams have been assigned to monitor sectarian content and individuals spreading propaganda on social media.
The public has been urged to cooperate with security forces to help ensure peace and stability.
Law enforcement agencies are performing their duties around the clock with dedication and commitment.
Security measures include route monitoring, traffic diversions and coordination with local religious organisers. No major incidents were reported as of early afternoon.
In Islamabad, Inspector General of Police Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, reviewed security arrangements for Ashura processions.
Rizvi visited key procession sites in I-10, F-11, and Jhungi Syedan, accompanied by senior police officers. He said security in the capital remains on high alert to ensure peaceful observance of 10th Muharram.
According to the police chief, 12 processions and 48 gatherings are scheduled in Islamabad on Ashura. Over 4,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed across the district.
A total of 57 security checkpoints have been set up, with strict screening procedures in place for all attendees. Lady police officers have been stationed for women’s security checks.
“All activities are being monitored through Safe City surveillance, body-worn cameras, and drones,” Rizvi said. Central and mobile control rooms are overseeing security operations in real-time.
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