Ashura processions, in remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions at Karbala, were staged across the country on July 17, with thousands of mourners in attendance.
The day is a heartfelt reminder of the unwavering resilience of Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), his family, and devoted companions, who bravely defended Islam in the face of opposition and cruelty.
President Asif Ali Zardari urged unity and resilience against cruelty and evil, drawing lessons from Karbala. He called for forbearance, hard work, and justice, emphasizing the needs of the poor and needy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized equality, tolerance, unity, and discipline to tackle the country’s internal and external threats. He encouraged drawing inspiration from the martyrs of Karbala and overcoming differences to strengthen the nation.
Mobile service suspended
In a bid to prevent any untoward incidents, the government suspended mobile and internet services. Additionally, Pakistan Army troops and Civil Armed Forces (CAF) were deployed along the routes of the main processions. The Ashura processions concluded peacefully across the country, and mobile phone and internet services were gradually being restored in different areas.
In a statement from the PM Office Media Wing, the prime minister expressed gratitude, noting that with the grace of Allah Almighty, the day passed peacefully nationwide.
“All the processions and Majalis were held with religious devotion,” the press release stated.
Shehbaz Sharif specifically thanked the administration, police, law enforcement agencies, and the armed forces for maintaining law and order.
Karachi
In Karachi the mourning procession began at Nishtar Park and concluded at Husainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar, following its traditional route. Allama Shehanshah Hussain Naqvi addressed the mourners at the start of the procession.
For security, participants were allowed into designated areas only after thorough checks. Mourners also donated blood to honor those who lost their lives in Karbala, with several blood donation camps set up along the procession route.
Lahore
In Lahore, the procession started at 8 a.m. from Nisar Haveli and ended at Karbala Gamay Shah Imambargah. The traditional route saw a large number of participants. Volunteers set up food and water stalls (niaz and sabeel) along the way. Roads leading to Mochi Darwaza were closed with containers and barbed wire for security. A security check at the main gate ensured thorough screening of all participants.
Peshawar
Peshawar hosted 12 processions, starting with the one from Imam Bargah Syed Ali Shah Rizvi at 11 a.m. Given the city’s security concerns, about 14,000 police officers were deployed, and bomb disposal units were on standby. All routes were blocked, and mobile phone services were suspended. The processions were monitored via CCTV cameras.
Multan
In Multan, the central procession started early from Imam Bargah Hira Haideri. At Chowk Ghala Godam, mourners performed “zanjeer zani.” The procession followed its usual route, ending at Dargah Shah Shams Tabrez by Namaz-e-Maghrib.
Over 116 processions and 130 majalis took place in Multan, with more than 6,000 security personnel deployed. All major processions were monitored by CCTV, and strict security checks were in place.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi
In Islamabad, the main procession began at Imambargah Colonel Maqbool and ended at Imambargah Qadeemi. In Rawalpindi, the first central mourning procession started from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain Teli Mohalla. Mobile phone services were partially suspended, and police jammers were used. Metro bus service was halted, and over 6,000 policemen and 900 traffic police officers were deployed.
Quetta
The Ashura procession in Quetta started from Alamdar Road at 9 a.m., with mobile phone services suspended for security.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad saw stringent security measures with over 4,000 personnel ensuring the safety of the procession. Streets and shops along the route were closed, and a control room was set up for monitoring.