Ashura processions conclude amid tight security

Cellular services restored


Web Desk November 04, 2014

KARACHI: Mourning the tragedy of Karbala, processions marking Ashura - Muharram 10 - have concluded across the nation amid tight security, Express News reported Tuesday.

Cellular services, which had been partially suspended in parts of the country, were restored late at night. Thousands of security personnel had been deployed to oversee all processions.

Karachi

The main Ashura procession in Karachi started from Numiash Chowrangi following on its traditional route. The mourners moved tp Tibet Centre where they offered Zuhrain and then moved to MA Jinnah Road.

The procession ended at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.

Around 15,000 police and Rangers personnel were deployed to ensure the safety of the mourners while five bomb disposal squads are also moving with the procession.

Jafaria Disaster Management Cell had put in place improvised explosive device (IED) jammers to thwart possible attacks.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Dr Farooq Sattar, speaking at Tibet Centre, lauded the security efforts and appreciated how the gathering was going peacefully.


An Express News screengrab of volunteers walking ahead of an Ashura procession


Quetta

Mourners gathered at city’s Mizan Chowk where they offered prayers and then marched forward. The procession ended at Nasirul Raza Imambargah.

Strict security measures were taken along the route of the procession and a heavy contingent of security personnel was deployed in the city.


An Express News screengrab of security personnel deployed in Quetta to protect mourners


Lahore, Rawalpindi

Ashura procession in Lahore started from Nisar Haweli and passed through Kashmiri Mohalla - a predominantly Shia neighbourhood.

The participants of the procession, who offered Zuhrain, stopped at multiple imambargahs before reaching their final destination of Karbala Gamay Shah this evening.

Around 10,000 police officers were deployed in the city to provide security to the processions.

Female police officers were on duty, and scanned participants before joining the procession. Keys, lighters and any metal objects were confiscated.

The main procession in Rawalpindi commenced from Imambargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain and culminated at Imambargah Kadimi.

Peshawar

In Peshawar, the main procession proceeded from Qissa Khawani Imambargah Alamdaar following Zuhr prayers. Over a dozen alam, zuljihan and tazias were taken out throughout the day to mark Ashura.

Five dead, eight injured in IED blast

Five people were killed including two security personnel, while eight others were injured in an IED blast, which targetted a mourners’ procession on Yum-e-Ashur on Tuesday.

CM Balochistan satisfied over peaceful culmination of Ashura processions

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch has expressed satisfaction over peaceful termination of Ashura processions in the province, Radio Pakistan reported.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the CM said people, ulema from all schools of thought, and the security forces deserved appreciation for peaceful observance of Muharram 10.

COMMENTS (14)

True | 10 years ago | Reply

@Abdul Wahid: Not only that that "Tens of fatwas from the highest Shia authorities have condemned it but to no avail.” But some have called it nonsensical.

Abdul Wahid | 10 years ago | Reply

@Proletarian: "Tens of fatwas from the highest Shia authorities have condemned it but to no avail." To no avail, why?

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