Pakistan observes 9th Muharram with solemnity amid tight security

Pakistan observes 9th Muharram with solemnity amid tight security

Pakistan

The government has decided to suspend mobile phone service in Karachi and Islamabad

 LAHORE (Dunya News) – The 9th of Muharram is being observed across the country today (Friday) with due solemnity and sanctity to pay homage to the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) – the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – and his companions in Karbala.

Taziya, Alam and Zuljanah processions would be taken out in all major cities and towns across the country today in the memory of martyrs of Karbala and Nohas, marsiayas along with throbbing sounds of self-flagellation will echo around the streets.

Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A), along with 72 of his companions including friends and family members, were martyred at the hand of Yazid’s troops at the battle of Karbala in Iraq in 61 AH (680 AD) after Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) rejected to pledge allegiance for Yazid despotic rule.

On these days, religious clerics and scholars would shed light over the historical, social and religious aspects of supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). Moreover, the bright and candid teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his great companions would also be emphasised through majalis. The remembrance of the event encourage muslims to inculcate those principles in practical life.

The devotees will bring main processions from imambargahs across the country to observe 9th of Muharram with religious fervour and sanctity to pay tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) and his companions in Karbala.

Security has been beefed up across the country for the mourning processions and majalis. Law enforcers including police and Rangers along with ladies and gents scouts were deployed all along the route of the main processions. 1685 security personnel will be deployed to secure Islamabad's main procession whereas in Lahore around 17000 security personnel along with surviellance cameras will be used for security purposes.   

The government has decided to suspend mobile phone service in Karachi, Islamabad and in 14 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police have been deployed in all sensitive areas and all roads leading to the imambargahs have been blocked by police and anyone wants to join the mourners will be strictly checked. Interim CM punjab along with cheif secretary and IGP Punjab visited various procession hotspots to check the security arrangements. 

Strict security measures are planned to ensure peaceful atmosphere on the occasion of 9th and 10th muharram and special traffic plans for this occasion have been chalked out across the country.

ISLAMABAD 

The main procession of 9th Muharram in the Federal capital started from Imambargah Asna-Ashri in sector G-6 and concluded at the same venue after tracing through the traditional route. The procession was secured by 1685 security personnel including five DPO's, 14 DSP's and 21 Inspectors of police. 

KARACHI 

The leading procession in Karachi initiated from Nishtar park around 1 pm which concluded at Hussainiya Iraniya Imamabargah. Mobile phone services along the route remain jammed. 

LAHORE

The central procession in Lahore started from Pandu street and reached Imambargah Khayma Sadaat at the end of the day, using traditional route. Zaireen mached through Islampura, Neeli Bagh, Civil Secretariat  and reached Old Anarkali in the evening. However, the particiapnts later reached back at Pandu street to bring the procession to conclusion.  

PESHAWAR 

KPK's provincial capital observed multiple considerable processions, the first one hit the roads from Imambargah Hussainiya Hall Saddr, whereas the other one started from Imambargah Bibi Sahba Tehsil. Both the main procession of their respective areas concluded at their beginning point. 

Strict security measure were taken to secure the route of processions with snipers deployed on high-rise buildings. Moreover, the procession was continuously monitored through aerial surveillance. The mobile phone services were blocked during the procession and action were taken against hundereds for not adhering to the guidelines.