High alert: Muharram processions in Kurram

At least 1,200 mourners gather in Kohat for majlis

KOHAT/PARACHINAR: At least 400 imambargahs participated in mourning rituals within the region of Kurram Agency on Wednesday.

Clerics and speakers delivered sermons at different processions about the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (RA) and his fellow Karbala martyrs. Special arrangements were made to provide mourners soup, milk, tea and water across the agency.

Frontier Constabulary, levies forces and Pakistan Army personnel have been deployed to enhance security in the sensitive tribal area.  The Kurram political administration has also closed the Pakistan-Afghan border in the region till Muharram 11.

Kohat

A Muharram procession started from Bannu Bazaar in Kohat on Wednesday, with over a thousand participants.

The procession started at the main imambargah in Bannu Bazaar, passed through the main marketplace before it culminated as a majlis at Zargaran Bazaar. The day came to an end at Tehsil Gate near Hando Mohallah.

Speakers addressed at least 1,200 participants as they remembered the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (RA) and the importance of
the month.

Police have heightened security arrangements for the occasion. All entrance and exit points which access the procession route were blocked and all participants were thoroughly searched before they entered the premises. Pillion riding has been banned under Section 144.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22^nd, 2015.