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Ninth Muharram processions are being taken out across Pakistan today, with authorities enforcing extensive security arrangements and deploying thousands of personnel to ensure the peaceful observance of mourning events.
Security measures have been implemented along procession routes in major cities, while sabeels have also been set up at various locations. Processions and majalis are being held in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur and Hangu, among other areas.
In Punjab, the central Zuljanah procession of 9th Muharram began from Islampura in Lahore, while another major procession departed from Pando Street and is scheduled to conclude at Khaima-e-Sadaat.
According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, 1,697 mourning processions and 3,869 majalis are being held across the province today. These include 208 A-category processions and 337 A-category majalis.
Punjab Inspector General of Police said more than 70,000 officers and personnel had been deployed for security duties across the province.
“We will ensure the peaceful observance of 9th Muharram with the cooperation of community leaders, administration and security institutions,” the IG Punjab said.
He added that security checks were being conducted through CCTV cameras, walk-through gates, metal detectors and other modern equipment. Snipers have also been deployed along procession routes, while plain-clothes commandos are accompanying processions.
The IG Punjab said provincial ministers, religious scholars, the armed forces, Rangers and security agencies were also supporting the arrangements. He added that pillion riding remained banned, except for senior citizens, women and law enforcement personnel.
In Karachi, the central majlis is scheduled to be held at Nishtar Park at 10am, where Allama Shehenshah Hussain Naqvi will address mourners. The central 9th Muharram procession will emerge from Nishtar Park at 1pm and proceed along its traditional route before concluding at Hussainia Iranian in Kharadar in the evening.
Mourners are expected to offer Zuhrain prayers in front of Imambargah Ali Raza on M.A. Jinnah Road.
Karachi Police said foolproof security arrangements had been made for the procession. According to a police spokesperson, more than 5,000 officers and personnel have been deployed, while Rangers personnel are also performing security duties.
Authorities have sealed streets, markets, roads and shops connected to the procession route with containers. Mobile phone services have been suspended in and around Nishtar Park, while police and Rangers have been deployed along the route. M.A. Jinnah Road will be completely closed to traffic before the procession begins.
In Sukkur, the 500-year-old Nau Dhala Tazia procession emerged from Imambargah Shah Iraq and is scheduled to camp at Karbala Ground in the evening. Meanwhile, the historic Nau Dhala Tazia procession in Rohri has reached Mandu Khabar.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu district, the 9th Muharram mourning procession emerged from Mohalla Syedan Ghari Bazaar and reached the central Imambargah on Shahu Road through its designated route. Authorities said strict security arrangements had been made for the procession.
In Balochistan, police sources said stringent security measures had been implemented for Muharram processions and gatherings. More than 32,000 security personnel have been deployed across the province, according to police sources.
In the federal capital, a 9th Muharram procession will be taken out from Imambargah Isna Ashari in G-6 as part of the mourning observances.
Authorities said security, traffic and administrative arrangements would remain in place until the conclusion of Muharram processions across the country.
This is a developing story.
