Youm-e-Ashur , the 10th of the holy month of Muharram, was observed across the country on Sunday (today) with due solemnity to pay homage to the supreme sacrifices rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain Razi Allah ho Ta’ala Anho and his companions in Karbala.
Alam, Zuljinah and Taazia processions were taken out in all the cities and towns of the country.
Ulema and Zakireen highlighted the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain and various aspects of Karbala tragedy.
Strict security measures were made along the routes of processions to avoid any untoward incident.
As many as 319 majalis and 144 registered processions were held in Rawalpindi on the 10th of Muharram. The security agencies declared 109 flash points and 125 sensitive points in Rawalpindi on the 10th of Muharram.
More than 6,000 personnel of law enforcement agencies, including policemen, Rangers, FC, army and special branch provided security cover to processions of Ashura. A total of 144 processions of Taazia,Zuljinnah and Alam were taken out from different parts of the city.
According to Rawalpindi commissioner’s office and police security branch, 79 processions and 206 Majalis were held on 9th of Muharram, while 65 processions and 113 Majalis were held on Youm- e- Ashur . The local management and security agencies had divided the processions and gatherings category wise.
Sindh
The mobile phone service were suspended, besides a ban on pillion riding during the 10 Muharram in Karachi and other major cities of Sindh.
The central procession in Karachi emerged from Nishter Park amid strict security. Stringent security was put in place in other cities of the province including Hyderabad where pillion riding was banned for the day.
The traffic police had devised an alternate route according to which, traffic coming to Soldier Bazar and Coast Guard was diverted to Jubille during the procession, Traffic from Nazimabad to MA Jinnah Road was moved to Garden from Lasbela.
Vehicles from Liaqatabad to MA Jinnah Road was diverted to Marton Road from Teen-Huti while traffic from Guru Mandar was not allowed to come at MA Jinnah Road as it was diverted to Shaher-e-Faisal from Kashmir Road and Society light signal.
Punjab
The home department of Punjab had declared Rawalpindi and Lahore the most sensitive cities in its security plan for Ashura, 10th Murharram and more than 146000 security personnel were deployed for the day across the province.
Moreover, around 20000 security, FC and Rangers personnel also performed their duties to maintain law and order situation.
The procession and congregations, Majalis, were monitored through digital cameras and air surveillance was also done.
Balochistan
The pillion riding was banned in Quetta city and other major cities of Balochistan.
Local administration had imposed section 144 in the entire province to avoid any untoward incident.
Khyber Pukhtunkhwa
The youm-e-Ashur was observed with solemnity across the province and several mourning processions were held.
The city administration had imposed section 144 and banned pillion riding in Peshawar.