Ninth Muharram processions taken out across country amid tight security

Lahore: Processions of 9th Muharram-ul-Haram were taken out across the country today to pay homage to the martyrs of Karbala.

In Punjab, mourning processions, including Alam, Taazia, and Zuljanah, were taken out in different cities.

In Lahore, the main procession was taken out from Pando Street, Islampura. A three-tier security plan was implemented to ensure the safety of mourners and maintain law and order. Anti-smog guns and sprinklers were also used on procession routes to provide relief from the intense heat.

In Multan, numerous processions of Alam and Zuljanah from different areas were taken out today under a three-layer security shield. The participants of the processions commemorated the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). Heavy contingents were deployed on the routes of all processions.

In Bahawalpur, thirty mourning processions and seventy-seven Majalis were held in connection with the ninth Muharram-ul-Haram. According to the Commissioner Bahawalpur Division, Section 144 has been imposed across the division to ensure the peaceful conduct of mourning activities.

In Sindh, multiple processions of ninth Muharram-ul-Haram were taken out in different cities. In Karachi, the main procession was taken out from Nishtar Park. More than six thousand police personnel were deployed for security duties, while snipers were positioned on buildings along the route. The procession was monitored through CCTV cameras from the Control Room established at the Central Police Office.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, several processions of ninth Muharram-ul-Haram were taken out from different Imam Bargahs. In Peshawar, the main procession was taken out from Imambargah Hussainia Hall on Saddar Road. Strict security measures were adopted to maintain law and order. Peshawar's Bus Rapid Transit service has been suspended for today and tomorrow, while mobile phone services have been temporarily suspended near procession routes due to security concerns. Rescue 1122 has established a Medical Response Unit on the routes to provide emergency medical assistance to mourners.

In Quetta, the main mourning procession comprising Alam, Taazia, and Zuljanah will be taken out from Nichari Imambargah on Alamdar Road tomorrow. The procession will culminate at Alamdar Road in the evening after passing through its traditional route. Law enforcement agencies have finalized foolproof security arrangements, while Frontier Corps personnel will also be deployed. Aerial surveillance of the procession will also be carried out.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, mourning processions were held at various places under strict security arrangements. Inspector General of Police Gilgit-Baltistan Dr Akbar Nasir Khan has directed the authorities concerned to ensure comprehensive security measures and complete all necessary arrangements for the peaceful conduct of the processions.