Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram-ul-Haram, is being observed across the country on Friday with due solemnity to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain Razi Allah ho Ta’ala Anho and his devoted companions in Karbala. Mourning processions are being taken out in all cities and towns.
The main processions are being taken out in major and smaller cities across Pakistan, including Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Muzaffarabad, Peshawar, and Quetta. Traditional Alam, Zuljinah, and Taaziya processions are being held to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions.
Special religious gatherings, majalis, are also being held throughout the country, where scholars and Zakirs highlight the message of Imam Hussain (RA) and the significance of his sacrifice at Karbala.
In Lahore, the main Zuljinah procession began at Nisar Haveli and is proceeding along its traditional route, with thousands of mourners participating. The procession reached Mohalla Shia, where the call for Ali Akbar was recited. It will conclude at Karbala Gamay Shah. Security personnel are continuously monitoring the procession to ensure public safety.
In Karachi, the main Ashura procession started from Nishtar Park after a central majlis and will conclude at Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.
In Quetta, the main Ashura procession began from Imambargah Hussaini Sadat on Alamdar Road and is expected to conclude after Maghrib prayers. A total of 35 Zuljinah and Alam processions are participating. Stalls providing snacks, cold water, sherbet, and medical assistance have been set up along the procession routes for mourners.
Strict security measures have been implemented nationwide for Ashura. Heavy contingents of police, Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed in all major cities. Special checkpoints have been established along the procession routes and at venues hosting religious gatherings.
Authorities have blocked non-essential traffic on procession routes by placing barriers, while mobile phone and internet services have been suspended in sensitive areas. Section 144 has also been imposed, prohibiting the display of weapons and other activities that could disturb public order.
After the conclusion of the processions, Sham-e-Ghariban gatherings will be held, during which Zakirs will narrate the events that followed the tragedy of Karbala. Mourners will then pay tribute to Imam Hussain (RA) through traditional mourning before returning to their homes.
It is worth mentioning that the 9th Muharram processions concluded peacefully across the country yesterday. In Karachi, the main procession that began from Nishtar Park ended at Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar. In Lahore, the main procession that started from Pando Street, Islampura, concluded successfully.
