KARACHI/LAHORE/PESHAWAR/QUETTA: Ashura processions, in remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions at Karbala, culminated across the country Sunday evening peacefully, amid stringent security measures for the safety of mourners.
The main Ashura procession in Karachi began from Nishtar Park with a Majlis by Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi.
The procession then proceeded to Numaish Chowrangi, from where it followed MA Jinnah Road towards Regal Chowk, and paused at Tibet Centre for Zuhr prayers.
Later, the procession headed towards Bolton Market and culminated upon reaching at Hussainiya Iranian Imambargah, Kharadar.
Over 6,000 security personnel were deployed along the routes of the main procession in Karachi.
Snipers were stationed in balconies of the buildings lining the procession’s traditional route as well as on rooftops of skyscrapers, from where they had an eagle’s eye view of the procession.
In Rawalpindi, the main Ashura procession was taken out at 11am from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain, which culminated upon reaching its destination. According to the police, 7,000 personnel, as well as paramilitary forces, were deployed for the event.
In Lahore, the Ashura procession began with the traditional majlis at Nisar Haveli. Then it proceeded through narrow alleyways of the ‘old city’ and concluded in the evening upon reaching Karbala Gamay Shah.
In Peshawar and Quetta, the processions commenced from Imambargah Agha Syed Ali Shah Rizvi and from Rehmantullah Chowk on Alamdar Road, respectively, and peacefully concluded upon reaching their destinations.
In Multan, the main procession comprising of a large number of women and children appeared from Hira Haideri imambargah which reached its destination while going through fixed routes.
Majlis-e-Sham-e-Ghariban were held at all Imambargahs in the cities. Processions had mourned throughout the day while all small ones joined the main processions in bigger cities where people gathered at one place.
Eyes shed tears and people kept beating their bodies in the pain and grief while recalling what happened to the martyred grandson of Muhammad (PBUH) at Karbala on the same day. People were wearing the name of Imam Hussain (RA) on their heads and hands while observing the sorrow.
Stringent security measures were in place across the country to ensure safety of mourners. Cellular and internet services remained suspended in Karachi, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Khairpur, Haripur, DI Khan and Lakki Marwat, Peshawar, Quetta among other areas.
With regard to further security and safety inside of the procession, followers and mourners were required to enter via walk-through gates, installed with metal detectors.
Arrangements of sabeel and langar were made for the mourners at various places.
Meanwhile, the three-day ban imposed on pillion riding in Lahore, Karachi and several other cities across the country has been lifted after Ashura on late Sunday night.
The pillion riding was banned in several cities on 8th, 9th and 10th Muharram keeping in view the law and order situation during Muharram-ul-Harram.
INP
