Pakistani rescuers and security personnel gather in front of a burning market after sectarian clashes near a mosque during the Shia procession in Rawalpindi on November 15, 2013. PHOTO: AFP
The chaos began around 3:00pm in the afternoon, when a group of men reportedly snatched guns from the police and began firing at them. Meanwhile, unknown men put a portion of the Raja Bazaar and a mosque on fire.
The incident and subsequent clashes resulted in the deaths of at least eight people and injured over 80 people. A large number of shops were also gutted.
In other parts of the country, though, the government's promise of 'foolproof security' seemed to come good. In Karachi, police arrested several suspected militants while in Lahore, a host of security cameras were at work on preventing terrorist activity.
At the end of the day, Imran Khan and Sharjeel Memon tweeted congratulating K-P and Sindh respectively on a peaceful Ashura.
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End of live updates
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12:40am
Authorities have imposed a curfew in parts of Rawalpindi.
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12:15am
In the aftermath of the Pindi tragedy, security has been put on a high alert in Lahore.
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11:50pm
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority restores cellular services in Lahore.
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11:00pm
PTI chief Imran Khan and Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon congratulated the authorities and security forces in Khyber-Pukhtunkhwa and Sindh respectively for a peaceful, terror-free Ashura in the two provinces.
Chairman @ImranKhanPTI congratulates IG Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & all Police officers for maintaining law & order in province during Ashura.
— PTI (@PTIofficial) November 15, 2013
Excellent job in Moharam by Sindh Police, Rangers , army and intelligence agencies. Thanks God.
— Sharjeel Inam Memon (@sharjeelinam) November 15, 2013
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10:50pm
Sindh government extends ban on pillion riding by two more days.
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10:45pm
Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has condemned the Rawalpindi riots and expressed sorrow at the eight deaths.
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10:35pm
The entire city police has been summoned to Fawara Chowk in Rawalpindi.
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10:20pm
Reg Rawalpindi everyone must show restraint & not let a few people create divisions in the name of Shia's & Sunni's.
— Syed Ali (@Sahpk22) November 15, 2013
10:15pm
Reports indicate a mosque was burned down in Rawalpindi. The flames have now been extinguished.
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10:10pm
ISPR's Asim Bajwa commends forces for a peaceful Ashura.
#Muharram:Better Coordination,harmony amongst all LEAs, pre deployment political work,vigil by the society, all contributed to peace
— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) November 15, 2013
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10:00pm
Rawalpindi death toll rises to eight, number of people injured reported to be over 80.
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9:45pm
Many injured several dead after clashes break out all over the city following an alleged anti-Shia sermon. Cloth Market set on fire. #Pindi
— Syeda Yasmeen Ali (@yasmeen_9) November 15, 2013
can we can rid of blame games/ stop appreciating negativity.we as nation have entangled ourselves in pointless conflicts like Shia/sunni etc
— Senator Rehman Malik former Interior Minister Pak (@SenRehmanMalik) November 15, 2013
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9:40pm
Mourners turned into the mourned. Pakistan today. RIP: "@HasnainRaxa: @MehrTarar Four died in sectarian clashes in Rawalpindi."
— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) November 15, 2013
And this country was made for Muslims to practice their beliefs freely...Not for Shias or Sunnis to kill each other! #Rawalpindi #Ashura
— Zoya Altaf (@zoya_altaf) November 15, 2013
https://twitter.com/EdhiAbdulSattar/status/401388545668939776
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9:30pm
Cellular services have been partially restored in many cities. They will be restored in K-P by 10pm, and in Lahore by midnight.
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8:45pm
Over 50 reported injured in Rawalpindi. The injured are being taken to the District Headquarters Hospital.
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8:15pm
Seven people have been reported dead and over 20 injured from sectarian clashes between Shia and Sunni groups in Rawalpindi.
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8:00pm
Express News correspondent Adnan Mukhtar reported that although a hoarde of fire brigades have arrived at the site, the flames are yet to be completely dowsed.
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7:30pm
Three people have been reported dead from clashes at Fawara Chowk near Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi.
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6:35pm
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah says 80% of Muharram processions in Punjab were conducted peacefully.
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6: 29pm
As fire engulfs part of the cloth market Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi, Express News correspondent Imran Asghar reported that at least six troops from the Pakistan Army have been called in to control the situation. Security and rescue services are at work alike.
Firing has now stopped, but the fire is yet to be completely extinguished.
No injuries have been reported as yet.
6:23pm
Pakistani journalists tweet about the law and order situation in Rawalpindi.
BREAKING NEWS. The cloth market in Rawalpindi has been put on fire by terrorists. They also manhandled press photographers & broke cameras.
— Pakistan Zindabad 🇵🇰 (@securepakistan) November 15, 2013
https://twitter.com/ajmaljami/status/401325034674733057
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5:58pm
After firing took place at an Ashura procession in Raja Bazar, Rawalpindi, an angry mob turned against the police. The situation soon got out of hand and the army was called in, Express News reported.
Political leaders from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and other parties are currently holding a meeting with security officials at the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) building to come up with a solution for the law and order problem.
6000 police personnel are on duty in Rawalpindi to ensure security for the procession moving from the Aashiq-e-Hussain Imambargah. Medical camps have been set up along the route as well.
Screengrabs of escalating violence at Raja Bazar, Rawalpindi:
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5:20pm
In Sukkur, large crowds are out as part of the processions. The procession is expected to end around 10pm. At least 3,000 policemen and 2,000 rangers are present, along with a bomb disposal squad.
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5:10pm
Karachi police say they have arrested a number of suspects, but have not released any additional information.
Express News says a 'complete shield' has been formed for the Karachi procession. Security will be provided to the procession as it heads back.
In Lahore, thousands of cameras are operating to prevent any untoward incident. Both static and mobile cameras are being used to broadcast live footage to security officials. The Lahore procession is expected to culminate at 6pm. At least 20,000 security officials are on-ground right now.
In Gujranwala, police officials have also arrested one suspect.
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5:00pm
Many politicians tweeted as they observed the Ashura.
Libaas hai phata hua/Ghubar mn atta hua/Tamaam jism e naznee/Chida hua katta hua/Yeh kon zewaqar hai/Bala ka shehsawar hai....
— Babar Awan (@BabarAwanPK) November 15, 2013
Paani piyo tou yaad karo piyaas Imam ki, piyaason piyo Sabeel shaheedon kai naam ki #Ashura
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) November 15, 2013
MQM leaders also attended Ashura processions in Karachi.
Picture: Members Coordination Committee #MQM attended Ashoora procession in #Karachi #Pakistan #MQM . pic.twitter.com/61RLDZ0fGA”
— Mustafa Azizabadi (@azizabadi) November 15, 2013
“@kamranshahid90 #HamarayHainHussain @abidifactor @SsamanJay @SumetaSyed @WasayJalil @RashidGodilMQM @faisalsubzwari http://t.co/qC75OBT9vz”
— Syed Ali Raza Abidi (@abidifactor) November 15, 2013
https://twitter.com/kamranshahid90/status/401310077766082560
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3:22pm
CNBC Pakistan reports that unidentified armed men opened fire near main Muharram procession at Fawara Chowk of Raja Bazar, Rawalpindi.
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3:20pm
The entry and exit points in the way of Karachi’s main procession have been sealed, while aerial monitoring has been done as well to ensure fool proof security.
The procession is still at the Tibet Centre.
An aerial view of Karachi's main procession
In Rawalpindi, the main procession is on its way to the culmination point as scheduled under tight security. Many have expressed satisfaction over the security measures taken by the government.
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2:40pm
Sajdey main sar,galay par khanjar aur teen din ki piyas! Esi namaz Phir na hui Karbala k baad #ImamHussain #Karbala
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) November 15, 2013
Shameful how Occupation forces of "secular" India in IOK ban Muharram processions & put MirWaiz under house arrest.
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 15, 2013
Security forces/scouts/bomb disp risking their own lives 4 safety of ashura jaloos. May Allah be their hafiz &return everyone home safely.
— Alizeh Iqbal Haider (@AlizehIHaider) November 15, 2013
Imam Hussain (AS) martyrdom gave birth to Patience, steadfastness and sacrifice. #ImamHussainMessage
— Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri (@TahirulQadri) November 14, 2013
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2:03pm
Lahore’s main Zuljinnah procession, which was taken out at midnight, started at Nisar Haveli and will terminate at the Karbala Gamay Shah this evening.
In Karachi, around 700 large and small processions have been taken out throughout the city. The main procession has been taken out from Nishtar Park, near Soldier Bazaar.
In Quetta, the main procession will be taken out from the Imambargah on Alamdar road, terminating at the same point.
Peshawar’s main procession will be taken out after Zuhr prayers from the Imambargah in the Qissa Khawani Bazaar area and will terminate at the same point.
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1:08pm
The main procession in Karachi has reached Tibet Centre where the gatherers are performing the Zuhrain prayers.
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1:00pm
Note to myself: Your phone is not in silent mode. It has been silenced so that life keeps buzzing & the life network goes on! Small mercies!
— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) November 15, 2013
Imam Hussain (A.S) stood for peace, justice and fairness. Yazid fought for terrorism, evil and tyranny. #LabaikYahussain #Ashura
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) November 15, 2013
https://twitter.com/Rizvinator/status/401149292435759104
I know people who are not Shia but fast on Moharram 9 and 10 out of respect and to commemorate Hussain AS sacrifice #Ashura
— beena sarwar (@beenasarwar) November 15, 2013
whether you mourn or not, there is a saddening affect to the 10th of #Muharram it's inevitable
— Saira Agha (@cheenaagha) November 14, 2013
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12:30pm
Security in Karachi is being monitored from Hassan Square and Nishtar Park by around 200 cameras placed throughout the city. The East SSP Syed Pir Muhammad Shah said that full proof security was organized for processionists.
A security personnel checking a processionist on Muharram 9 at Sector G-6/2 on Thursday. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID/EXPRESS
People take part in a procession held on Muharram 9 to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) in Sector G-6/2 of Islamabad. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID/EXPRESS
People take part in a procession in Sector G-6/2 of the federal capital. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID/EXPRESS
Security forces have taken extraordinary measures to quell terror threats. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK
PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK
PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK
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12:00pm
Mobile services have been suspended in parts of Pakistan on account of Muharram 10, while strict security measures are put in place to ensure safety of the people attending Ashura processions.
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11:50am
A hand grenade exploded near Zainul Abideen Imambargah in North Nazimabad, Karachi injuring three policemen who were sent to a hospital for treatment.
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Muharram 9
Yesterday, police foiled major terrorist activity by killing six alleged terrorists of the banned religious outfit, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ).
LeJ’s Karachi chapter chief of the Asif Chohtu group, Gul Hasan, and two alleged suicide bombers, Muhammad Arif alias Salahuddin alias Mairaj alias Javed Chashma and Naveed Baloch alias Chohta, were among the suspects killed in an encounter with the officials of the Anti-Extremist Cell (AEC) of the Crime Investigation Department.
On the same day, an attack on a police armored van near the Zainul Abideen Imambargah had injured a police official. Unknown armed assailants had hurled a small Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from the Naagan roundabout flyover and it landed on top of a police van.
At the time of the explosion, a congregation was underway at the Imambargah. Firing was also reported immediately after the blast.
Muharram 8
On Wednesday, at least 12 people including law enforcers and media personnel got injuredin bomb blasts and a grenade attack outside two imambargahs in Karachi.
The bomb blasts took place outside an imambargah in the city’s North Nazimabad locality where a gathering of mourners had concluded an hour ago.
View our slideshows of Muharram here:
Ashura around the world
Remembering the sacrifices of Karbala martyrs
COMMENTS (55)
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I really condemn this attack.Islam is the religion of peace and love.So being a Muslim we should all spread love and prosperity in our country.
@Syed:
"sorry Mariam, public procession won’t end. No matter how hard some people try. Shias are more secure and able to enjoy religious freedom in the West compare to Pakistan and ME. reason is yahan per insaan ke bachay hain."
Shias have no problems in India also to practice their faith in peace.
our media misguide the people of around the world SHIAA'S martyrs innocent SUNNI'S who attend Friday payers shiaa's fascist salvage attacked on them the beast beheaded them torcher them and burn alive on MOSQUE and MADRESS I COULDN'T understand how they get combustible material during possession and by leap & bound they burn 25 shops in Rawalpindi this community do the same action what they done in Karachi 2010 torch boltan marked /burn 5 guys alive at NIPA chowrangi KFC at Karachi that's why we felt that this community depraved for HINDUS'S religion.
@Hairaan: oooh... so how much tax you have paid till now...?
For all those who are unaware of history of Muharram processions in Pakistan, get apprised of the fact that such processions have been going on from before the creation of Pakistan. The word you would often here for these processions is "riwayati raasta" which refer to the pre Pakistan designated routs for these processions in contradiction to "licensed" routs which were granted after Pakistan's creation. So all those around here who seem to have taken birth just today, they should know that this day has also been observed just like this even before and right at the time of creation of Pakistan.
sorry Mariam, public procession won't end. No matter how hard some people try. Shias are more secure and able to enjoy religious freedom in the West compare to Pakistan and ME. reason is yahan per insaan ke bachay hain.
All Pakistanis should be tolerant and should understand the games of world powers.. they want to finish Pakistan while making us fight each other.. Please get some brain dear Pakistanis. Be tolerant..
@Ch. Allah Daad: Shia elites and Imams who sponsor these processions ( like MAratab Ali Shah Family) themselves never come on streets for 'Matam', but encourage working class Shias to let others and theirs life endangered
Have enough of these mullahs...
Islam is supposed to unite, not spread hate..
Pakistani mullahs dont have a clue...
Separate state and mullahism for 5 years..."mullahism" is this new thing these bearded ones have created
Folks who wanna ape the Saudis and Iranians can perhaps move there....
Please let peaceful Pakistanis, who ever they are, practice their personal beliefs in peace
Pakistan Zindabad
No more public processions ... Whether it's done by any religion. Be free to worship in Your own homes and mosques, temples etc. but don't overdo the dramay baazi. And I think one day off would have been enough but no ... For some reason the we need 3 days off! Seriously ..!!
Once again Punjab has proven itself to be the breeding ground of hatred, salafism, intolerance, and radicalization. Punjab government needs to curb this menace, and go hard on its militant wing LeJ. Other provinces, very well done.
@ABCD: Well Mr. ABCD or XYZ, you don't understand religious freedom versus following the law of the land. It's not your fault, but the problem with your upbringing. Point is as long as it is not a hate crime, or imposing your point on others, everyone is free to practice whatever religion/sect he chooses. Here too, once again the wahabis who bemoan their rights to preach hatred in the west, want to impose their point on others through gun. Hypocrisy is on you, not the liberals.
@Ch. Allah Daad: I do agree, it would be way better and more peaceful if they take those processions in any particular open/dedicated areas rather then having in those narrow streets of old city areas. The economic activities that have to stop is always an inconvenience plus we have seen the billions of loss only in Karachi incurred when their procession was attacked a couple of years back. To be fair as much as we agree that both sunnis and shias share the same rights and say no to killing either, theres no debate on the fact that some really emotional and stubborn people exist in both the parties.
To all shia brethren in Pakistan.. have a safe muharram..
MQM KKF Medical Camp For The Mourners Of Hussian in Lahore
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.693681943983502.1073742102.407147312636968&type=1
@Hairaan:
Apparently there is no concern for it being un-Islamic or tax payer costs when your hateful Wahhabi/Salafi/Deoband/Sunni extremist brethren attack others based on their beliefs and faith.
That a nuclear armed country can't even provide security to its own people is the height of irony.
No doubt, Pakistan is on the brink of disintegration.
Calling shias kafir wont make you Janati. Your research begins....
@Hairaan: @ John
Look deep inside your heart before you speak. Your words might hurt other peoples feelings.
@Ch. Allah Daad:
The prejudiced and intolerant gripe against the minority is unfortunate. Its a holiday. These processions are practised by a sizeable Pak population. There could certainly be better management for routes. But economic activity is not halted. The waste of resources and lives lost, unlike before, are due to the extremist terrorists that have been plaguing Pakistan for decades, which still hasn't extinguished them for all kinds of attacks, not just restricted to Ashura.
@Hairaan You don't want to provide security because you have different beliefs and consider them doing Shirk.
But you cry when french and Europeans ask Muslims to uncover their faces only in their countries because they have different beliefs, no matter they also does it due to security reasons.
Double standards - You would always walk alone.
Live and let live !!!
@Hairaan:
Security is to protect the religious minorities, who don't share your interpreted puritanical fundamentalist ideology, from your fellow religious bigots and extremists.
looks like a sect of hinduism.
@Raj - USA Please post my comment, it's an different type of perspective.... I will not deny that Shias are subjected to great cruelty in Pakistan, however not everyone is against Shias and you need to remember that a large amount are not. I originally come from a village where Shias and Sunnis live together peacefully, and even more my father use to give food to the people who took part in this. But my grandfather a soldier who served in Pakistan Army was a Sunni although never "practised" Islam but would take part in ramadhan & had many devout friends that were both Sunnis and Shias and their faith didn't stop them from loving each other...this still happens in that very village. I come from Hazara areas of KP. Anyways, it's also unfair that Pakistan is inherently anti-Shia. The Bhuttos were Shia, they were powerful and treated equally like every other person. Their faith didn't deter people from voting for them. Of course there are bad people, sadly we have a lot of them but the assumption I always hear is that we all are against Shias. That is NOT the case.
@Ch. Allah Daad: What a ridiculous argument; why not stop the 9 days we take off for eid as well then, or the 6th september 'defense day' and so on. The so called defense day is a farce - why don't you write about. This ritual has been continuing for 1300 years and will continue, so why don't we let our shia brothers do what they want. If you are that concerned about our economy, why don't you speak out against the other ridiculous activities named above? This episode proves that religion as a whole has no role in politics; which version will you abide by? Mine or yours! And again, religion divides rather than unites
@Hairaan @Ch. Allah Daad. Shame on you for such comments . If we are muslims today its because sacrifice of Imam Hussain(RA)and his Sahaba.
@Ch. Allah Daad: These days not a single place is safe for innocent people whether it is Masjid, School, Markets, Hospitals etc ... we should stop going to these places? NO, that's not the solution to the problem. Above people coming in these Majlis, Juloos are not forced to come, they come on their will and belief!!!
Your question regarding economic activities, there has been several surverys and tv reports which indicates that economic cycles still works because of all the Langers (Khana) and other related ectivities.
I hope this clarfies your question. Note: For economy acticities, please search google/ youtube / fb and for sure you will find something. I still remember one of the Kamran Khan's clip specially on economic activities during these days. Please do see it.!
What is that effigy? Looks like some syncretism. The Muslims of the sub continent exaggerate and over compensate.
we salute all those securty personals who have done a great duty
@Ch. Allah Daad:
Ashura is a national holiday. I have attended a juloos in chicago downtown on a working day, they seems to allow the rallies without any issues! I have also attended rally against Iraq war in Washington DC infront of White house and capitol hill on Constitution ave. Everything was blocked and facilitated by the security and the Govt. These things are the signs of healthy nations and societies.
What you should demand from your Govt. (who is so eager to beg peace from TTP and their like minded) is to PUNISH the terrorists who kill people with similar barbarity as Yazeed (LA). You do that and their would no danger to lives in rallies like these, their would not be need for overwhelming security. You do that and all sectors of society will move towards moderation and rallies and events like these would be used to address problems faced by people.
These moharram processions show one thing very clearly: Pakistanis can defend themselves if they unite really. And the lousy government has indeed the capacity to stop these terrorists.
Appreciation where it's due: well done Farooq Sattar and MQM leadership for showing/promoting religious harmony in Pakistan
@Hairaan: So hatred like yours is not Shirk or Bida'at?!!!Shameful indeed.
@Ch Allah Daad. I am sorry to disappoint you but these processions will only get bigger with time. There was one surviving male and some women and children from Karbala. So much persecution of Shias after Karbala event yet the message of Imam Hussain (a.s.) through Majalis and procession is keep growing. There are multiple processions happening in various cities all across the globe including US, Canada, Europe.
Insaan ko baydaar to ho lenay do Har Qom pukaray gi hamaray hain Hussain a.s.
Better wish would be to tell the salafi takfiri terrorists to stop attacking innocent civilians and we can manage our own security. Thank you
@Hairaan: Every citizen is entitled to security of his person and property, doesn't matter what he believes or which rituals he observes.
@Hairaan: @Ch. Allah Daad
Just because of people like you, Shias of Pakistan need security. If you mind your own business and let people practice their religions freely, nobody needs protection from the extremists.
if Pakistan want foolproof’ security...loudspeakers should be banned except for Azan and prayer
I know people who are not Shia but fast on Moharram 9 and 10 out of respect and to commemorate Hussain AS sacrifice #Ashura Tweet of Bina Sarwar.
Lady ! the fasting for 2 days are sunnat as Rasool (S.a.w.s) asked to, not for the reason you mentioned . First do some research.
As usual facts mixed up by a "moderate" " enlightened" "muslim" .
Law enforcement agencies were v much there in previous years but the leadership was missing. Well done Pml n for providing direction to this directionless force.
Please do not forget the role Shia Mulsims guards (scouts, volunteers etc) played in having a peaceful Ashura... Kudos to all
A day or two days ago, I commented elsewhere in ET that I have an inner feeling that this year the muharram shall be peaceful in Pakistan. I am happy that my inner feeling has come true. However, I would say that at this time, it is more of a compulsion than conviction that Muharram was peaceful. Still a lot needs to be done to change the inner minds of majority in Pakistan. However, if this good act due to compulsion continues uninterrupted, it would convert to conviction. I would not say so soon that Shias and Sunnis are equal citizens of Pakistan and enjoy equal rights. I would only say that many are feeling a necessity to change and if this continues, the real change will come. Importantly, if this accommodating feeling is specific to shias and to show compassion for the shias only, leaving aside issues of conversions and hate preachings for the hindus, christians and ahmedis, it would be just that, i.e., a show. Let us hope that the real change comes. What the parents teach their kids in their homes is what that will bring the change, not the preachings of the mullas.
Congratulations on the great work and doing the primary job to protect the citizens from terrorists. This only shows rather proves that the security forces "can" protect the smaller sects and minorities if they want to do it. The country is thrilled that our security agencies are finally doing their primary function for which they are employed. Keep up the good work it is only the first step not the last.
@Hairaan: @Our game our rules!: No one should care what other believes in and how they worship their Gods, but doing these rituals at public places and forcing whole nation to stop economic activities, putting lives in danger, wasting precious resources are the problems which we must address.
Four mourners (Azadaran) lost their lives in clashes during Ashura procession that errupted after objectionable announcement made by cleric from rival sect. May Allah protect every one from every sect.
These religious processions have become nuisance and destructive for common people and economy. Huge resources are being spent on these activities and precious lives are put in danger without any remorse. Can anyone tell where these things end except that one day security forces will be fed up and refuse to obey orders.
Well done security forces, Shias enjoy as equal rights as Sunnis in this country, and this day is as important to us Sunnis as to Shias. We respect Hazrat Hussain R.A equally.
Salute to all those who are providing security to their fellow countrymen. Proud of the police, rangers, army, scouts, volunteers, monitoring cells. Thank you for being there.
Imam Hussain defined the meaning of freedom for humanity for all times to come.