Yaum-i-Ashura processions commenced across Pakistan on Sunday, with thousands of mourners taking to the streets to pay tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the martyrs of Karbala. The day marks the 10th of Muharram, a significant date in the Islamic calendar that symbolizes the fight against tyranny and injustice.
From Karachi to Islamabad, cities remained on high alert as federal and provincial authorities tightened security. Army troops were deployed, and anti-terror measures intensified, including surveillance via drones and safe city cameras. Police and security agencies maintained round-the-clock monitoring of religious gatherings and processions to ensure peace.
Earlier in the week, traffic plans were issued in major cities to manage the Ashura processions. These plans detailed road closures and alternative routes, aiming to ease public movement while securing the processions.
Karachi Deploys Over 7,000 Officers; Processions Peaceful
In Karachi, the main Ashura procession began from Nishtar Park at around 8:30am, led by religious scholar Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi. According to police, approximately 3,500 to 4,000 mourners participated. The procession route stretched from Numaish Chowrangi to Kharadar’s Husseinia Irania Imam Bargah.
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To maintain law and order, 7,004 police personnel were deployed in the city. These included 6,271 constables and head constables, along with senior officers and special sniper units. Additionally, 733 volunteers from NGOs worked alongside police to assist with crowd control and security checks.
The Karachi Traffic Police closed several major arteries, including MA Jinnah Road, to accommodate the processions and ensure safety. Traffic police officers managed alternative routes to minimize public inconvenience.
At the Sindh Governor House, pots of haleem were prepared and distributed as niaz (charitable food offering) on the instructions of Governor Kamran Tessori, continuing a long-standing tradition of community service during Muharram.
Multan Focuses on Surveillance and Emergency Response
In Multan, 283 processions and 225 majalis took place across the city under the watchful eye of over 5,000 police personnel. Commissioner Aamir Kareem Khan and CPO Sadiq Ali Dogar confirmed that 12 vigilance teams had been formed to monitor activities, while rooftop deployments and plain-clothes officers ensured surveillance on ground.
CCTV cameras were installed at over 180 locations to monitor crowds and identify any suspicious activities. Deputy Commissioner Wasim Hamid Sindhu said that the central control room at the Home Department was actively overseeing the situation across Punjab.
Rescue 1122 took proactive measures by deploying 600 staff members, 30 ambulances, 15 fire trucks, 93 motorbike units, and two specialized rescue vehicles in Multan’s Shujaabad and Jalalpur Pirwala tehsils. Medical cover was provided at key spots to assist mourners in case of emergencies.
Punjab and Federal Capital Remain on High Alert
Across Punjab, more than 12,000 rescuers were deployed for Ashura and routine operations on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Emergency Services Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer confirmed that 815 ambulances, 2,166 motorbikes, and 316 fire and rescue vehicles were stationed in various cities.
In Lahore alone, 55 emergency ambulances, 300 rescue motorbikes, and 44 fire and rescue vehicles were deployed. Over 1,350 rescue personnel remained stationed throughout the city to provide immediate response in case of any incident.
Islamabad also saw strict security protocols. Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi personally oversaw operations, with 4,000 officers deployed to manage 12 processions and 48 majalis scheduled for the day. The capital had 57 checkpoints and more than 300 traffic officers deployed to assist citizens and monitor crowd movement.
“All operations are under Safe City surveillance, with drones, body cams, and mobile units in place,” Rizvi said, adding that both mobile and central control rooms are active.
National Leaders Pay Tribute to the Spirit of Karbala
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued separate messages on Yaum-i-Ashura, calling upon the nation to uphold the values of sacrifice, truth, and justice exemplified by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
President Zardari termed Karbala “a symbol of eternal struggle against falsehood,” praising the patience and bravery shown by the martyrs. “It is a beacon of light in all dark times,” he said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that the message of Karbala transcends time. “Imam Hussain’s (RA) stand teaches us to speak the truth, support the oppressed, and advocate for justice,” he said. “This message is for every era and every believer who chooses to resist injustice.”
Both leaders urged the nation to follow the example of Karbala by remaining steadfast in the face of challenges and standing firm for righteousness and humanity.
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