Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, was observed across Pakistan on Sunday with deep religious devotion and reverence to honour the supreme sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and the martyrs of Karbala. Major Ashura processions concluded in Lahore, Karachi and several other cities under strict security arrangements. Aerial surveillance remained in operation, while mobile phone services were temporarily suspended in a number of cities. Lahore The central Ashura procession, which began from Nisar Haveli, concluded at Karbala Gamay Shah after passing through its traditional route. Thousands of mourners paid tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and the martyrs of Karbala. Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Khawaja Salman Rafique and Bilal Yasin visited Karbala Gamay Shah to inspect security and administrative arrangements. A three-tier security plan remained in force, while facilities including drinking water were provided for mourners. Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar, CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana and CTO Lahore Abdul Raheem Shirazi also reviewed security arrangements and visited the control room and procession route. Punjab remained on high alert throughout Ashura under a three-tier security model. AI technology, drones, Safe City cameras and digital monitoring systems were used to oversee processions and religious gatherings. Mourners and residents appreciated the arrangements made by the Punjab government. Karachi The central Ashura procession began at Nishtar Park and concluded at Imambargah Hussainian Iranian, Kharadar, after following its traditional route. Containers sealed roads along the route, while mobile phone services remained suspended in surrounding areas. Allama Shehenshah Hussain Naqvi addressed the main mourning congregation at Nishtar Park, saying Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions sacrificed their lives for the preservation of Islam. Following the congregation, the central procession, led by the Buturab Scouts, proceeded through MA Jinnah Road. Participants performed matam, recited elegies and carried alam and Zuljanah. Zuharain prayers were offered near Tibet Centre under the leadership of Allama Shehenshah Hussain Naqvi. Water, refreshments and food were provided for mourners along the route before the procession concluded at Imambargah Hussainian Iranian, Kharadar. Security remained strict throughout. Other cities The central Ashura processions concluded peacefully in Pir Mahal, Mian Channu, Mailsi, Kabirwala, Hyderabad and Lakki Marwat. In Mian Channu, the central mourning procession ended at Karbala Pir Manon Sharif, while Sham-e-Ghariban mourning gatherings began afterwards. More than a dozen processions were held across the tehsil. In Mailsi, the central procession from Astana Khadim Shah concluded at the shrine of Baba Nathay Shah, while Zuljanah processions in Tibba Sultanpur, Dokotha, Garha More and Chak 10/WB also ended peacefully. In Kabirwala, the central procession concluded at Imambargah Zainabia Bhattianwala after following its designated route. A total of 36 mourning processions were held across the tehsil. In Chiniot, the central procession remained in progress under heavy police deployment and drone surveillance, with numerous tazias, alams, Zuljanah processions and taboot processions joining the main gathering. In Hyderabad, the central procession concluded at Karbala Dadan Shah after beginning from Qadam Gah Maula Ali, with thousands of mourners taking part. In Lakki Marwat, the Ashura procession concluded at Bukhari Shah. Security remained exceptionally tight, with continuous monitoring through CCTV cameras and drones. Personnel from Rescue 1122, the Health Department, the Tehsil Municipal Administration and PESCO remained on duty throughout the day. Ashura observed across Pakistan with processions under tight securityEarlier, Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram, was being observed across Pakistan today with deep reverence to pay tribute to the unparalleled sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala. Mourning gatherings and processions were being held in cities and towns nationwide, while strict security arrangements have been made to ensure peace during Ashura observances. The day marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his companions at the hands of the Yazidi army in Karbala. The tragedy of Karbala, which took place more than 1,400 years ago, was remembered as a timeless symbol of the struggle between truth and falsehood, and of standing firm against oppression and tyranny. Religious scholars and speakers were delivering sermons on the life, teachings, patience and steadfastness of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), while highlighting the message and lessons of Karbala. Arrangements for Niyaz and Sabeels have also been made across the country in memory of the hunger, thirst and sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions during the days of Karbala. Peshawar and KP security arrangements In Peshawar, 12 processions were planned for Ashura. The first procession departed from Imambargah Agha Syed Ali Shah near Meena Bazaar at around 11am, while the remaining processions were scheduled to leave from different locations between 12pm and 3pm. Police had chalked out a plan to deploy 12,000 personnel in Peshawar for Muharram security. Personnel from city police, rapid response force, quick response force, ladies traffic police and bomb disposal units were being deployed. Three-layered security was being provided to all mourning processions, while marksmen have been stationed on high-rise buildings along procession routes. Around 1,000 traffic personnel were also deployed to ensure smooth traffic flow across the city. Bomb disposal units and sniffer dogs are being used to sweep imambargahs, majalis and procession routes, while personnel in plain clothes have also been deployed at sensitive locations and places of worship. KP IGP Zulfiqar Hameed earlier directed police officials to enhance daily coordination with district administrations and peace committees to prevent any unpleasant incident during Muharram. Ashura processions and religious gatherings in Peshawar were being monitored through the Safe City camera network. Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 43,317 police personnel have been deployed for Muharram security, while Section 144 has been enforced in various districts. Out of 614 imambargahs in the province, 127 have been declared highly sensitive, 262 sensitive and 225 normal. A total of 907 Muharram processions are expected across KP, including 286 highly sensitive, 190 sensitive and 431 normal processions. Balochistan deploys over 32,000 security personnel The Balochistan government has finalised strict security arrangements for Muharram 10, deploying more than 32,000 security personnel for the safety of Ashura processions. Main procession routes are being monitored through aerial surveillance and a comprehensive CCTV camera network. All shops, markets, plazas and commercial centres along procession routes have been sealed. More than 17,000 personnel have been deployed in Quetta alone to secure the main procession routes, key public spaces and all entry and exit points of the city. The deployment includes District Police, Balochistan Constabulary, Rapid Response Force, Anti-Terrorist Force, Frontier Corps and Anti-Riot Force personnel. As part of the security protocol, mobile phone services and internet connectivity have been suspended in Quetta and other sensitive areas of Balochistan during the processions.
Ashura processions conclude across Pakistan under high security
