Ashura Processions Conclude Peacefully Across Pakistan Amid Tight Security

Ashura processions concluded peacefully across Pakistan on Sunday, with thousands of mourners taking part in religious rituals to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The sacred observance, held on the 10th of Muharram, passed without any major untoward incidents, thanks to extraordinary security arrangements made by federal and provincial authorities.

Nationwide Observance of Muharram with Religious Zeal

Major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, and Rawalpindi saw large processions that followed traditional routes, concluding at designated Imambargahs by evening. Devotees participated in matam (self-flagellation), noha khwani (recitation of elegies), and distribution of niaz (charity food), while also reaffirming the values of sacrifice and justice symbolized by Imam Hussain’s stand in the Battle of Karbala.

In Lahore, the central procession began from Nisar Haveli in Mochi Gate and traversed through historic neighborhoods including Wazir Khan Mosque, Paniwala Talab, and Bhatti Gate before concluding at Karbala Gamay Shah. Thousands participated, many dressed in black, walking barefoot while reciting elegies and offering prayers.

Massive Security Operation Ensures Calm

Ensuring the safety of the mourners was a top priority across Pakistan, with over 100,000 security personnel deployed nationwide. Authorities employed a multi-layered security strategy involving police, paramilitary forces, bomb disposal squads, and aerial surveillance.

In Karachi, the country’s largest metropolis, more than 55,000 law enforcement officers were deployed. The central procession from Nishtar Park to Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar was heavily guarded with snipers on rooftops, checkpoints along the route, and surveillance from a central command center. The mobile phone and internet services were temporarily suspended in sensitive areas to prevent any misuse of digital platforms.

Islamabad and Rawalpindi also witnessed major processions with over 6,000 police personnel on duty, supported by traffic police and special forces. The main procession in Rawalpindi began from Colonel Maqbool Imambargah and passed through the city’s core. Drone monitoring and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras were utilized to monitor movement throughout the day.

In Quetta, security was especially stringent due to past threats. More than three battalions of the Pakistan Army were deployed alongside Frontier Corps and police forces. Helicopters hovered above the city to assist in crowd control and surveillance, while mobile networks remained shut for several hours. Authorities confirmed the arrest of four suspects prior to the Ashura day, based on intelligence leads.

Peshawar and Multan: Peaceful but Highly Guarded

Peshawar, a city with a history of sectarian tensions, observed Ashura peacefully this year. Around 14,000 security officials were deployed to secure the city. The central procession began at 11:00 AM and ended by evening at Akhunabad Imambargah. Entry and exit points to the city were sealed, and roads were blocked with containers and barricades. Bomb disposal squads cleared the procession routes in advance.

In Multan, over 280 licensed processions were carried out with around 7,000 police personnel ensuring safety. Walk-through gates, physical screening, and CCTV monitoring were employed to prevent any security breaches. Despite the large crowds, no untoward incidents were reported.

Communications and Traffic Control

Across major urban centers, authorities suspended mobile phone services and restricted vehicular access to procession routes. In cities like Karachi and Lahore, diversions were put in place, and public transport was either rerouted or halted altogether for the day. Emergency services, including ambulances and fire brigades, remained on high alert.

Additionally, hospitals and medical camps were set up along the routes of the processions to deal with any health-related emergencies, particularly for those participating in zanjeer zani (self-flagellation with chains).

Government and Religious Leaders Praise the Public

Law enforcement agencies and government officials praised citizens for their cooperation and patience during the solemn observances. Inspector General of Islamabad Police, Ali Nasir Rizvi, expressed satisfaction over the peaceful environment and credited inter-agency coordination for the successful handling of the day.

Religious scholars and community leaders also appreciated the efforts of the government and the people in maintaining unity and discipline during a time of deep spiritual reflection.

Conclusion

The peaceful conclusion of Ashura processions across Pakistan is a testament to the growing maturity of the public and the efficiency of security agencies. While challenges remain in ensuring continued sectarian harmony, this year’s smooth observance offers hope for a more tolerant and unified future. The day ended not just with the completion of religious rituals, but also with a reaffirmation of the values of sacrifice, justice, and resilience—core to the legacy of Imam Hussain (RA).

Reference:  ملک بھر میں عاشورہ کے جلوس اختتام پذیر، سیکیورٹی کے سخت انتظامات