Nation marks 9th Muharram under tight security

Thousands of mourners participated in 9th Muharram processions and gatherings across Pakistan on Thursday as authorities enforced extensive

Thousands of mourners participated in 9th Muharram processions and gatherings across Pakistan on Thursday as authorities enforced extensive security arrangements to ensure peaceful observance of the day.

Major cities including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan and Faisalabad witnessed large mourning processions, with law enforcement agencies maintaining strict vigilance along designated routes.

In Punjab, more than 1,600 processions and nearly 3,900 religious gatherings were held under heightened security. Over 70,000 police officers and security personnel were deployed across the province, supported by surveillance cameras, walk-through gates and metal detectors. Snipers and plain-clothes security officials were also stationed at sensitive locations.

Lahore’s main Zuljanah procession started from Islampura and moved along its traditional route under strict monitoring by police and district administration officials.

In Karachi, the central procession began after the main majlis at Nishtar Park and proceeded through its customary route before concluding in the old city area. Authorities deployed more than 5,000 police personnel alongside Rangers to safeguard participants and maintain order.

Several roads connected to the procession routes were sealed with containers, while traffic diversions were put in place to avoid congestion. Mobile phone services were temporarily suspended in selected areas as an additional security precaution.

Sindh also witnessed traditional mourning processions in Sukkur and Rohri, including centuries-old Tazia processions that attracted large numbers of participants.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, mourning processions were held in Hangu and other districts under strict security arrangements, with law enforcement personnel deployed along routes and around imambargahs.

Balochistan authorities stationed more than 32,000 security personnel across the province to protect processions and majalis, particularly in sensitive districts.

The federal capital also observed the day with processions emerging from various imambargahs under comprehensive security plans coordinated by police and local administration.

Authorities across the country appealed to citizens to cooperate with security officials and follow designated routes and safety instructions to ensure peaceful observance of Muharram events.