Thousands of security personnel deployed for Ashura

Pakistan is observing Youm-e-Ashura with mourning processions and religious gatherings taking place in major cities and towns across the country under

Pakistan is observing Youm-e-Ashura with mourning processions and religious gatherings taking place in major cities and towns across the country under extensive security arrangements.

Processions carrying replicas of sacred standards, coffins and Zuljanah are being taken out to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in Karbala.

In Karachi, the central Ashura procession began after the conclusion of the main mourning congregation at Nishtar Park, where religious scholar Allama Shehnshah Naqvi addressed participants.

More than 5,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed to ensure security for the procession, while Rangers personnel are also assisting law enforcement authorities.

Mobile phone services have been partially suspended along the procession routes and surrounding areas as part of security measures. M.A. Jinnah Road has been closed to regular traffic, with alternative routes provided for commuters.

Authorities have also sealed streets, markets and shops connected to the procession route using containers to prevent unauthorized access.

In Rawalpindi, the central Ashura procession started from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Teli Mohalla. Another procession from Imambargah Colonel Maqbool later joined the main procession.

More than 8,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed in Rawalpindi to maintain law and order during the observance.

In Quetta, the central Ashura procession commenced from Shohada Chowk on Alamdar Road. Authorities sealed all roads leading to the procession route, while shops and business centers along the route remained closed.

The procession is scheduled to conclude at Mominabad Imambargah on Alamdar Road after passing through designated routes.

The Quetta procession includes Zuljanah, Tazia and Alam processions comprising 35 mourning groups led by leaders of the Balochistan Shia Conference.

Organisers said around 1,200 volunteers are assisting participants, while 30 medical camps have been established along the route to provide emergency medical services.

Security officials stated that around 17,000 personnel from the Police, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Constabulary have been deployed across Quetta for Ashura security duties.

In Sheikhupura, the main Zuljanah procession began from Imambargah Shan-e-Hussain and is expected to conclude at Karbala Eidgah in the evening.

Ashura processions were also held in Abbottabad, Bahawalnagar, Kabirwala, Hyderabad and Lodhran, where mourners gathered to pay tribute to the sacrifices of Karbala.

In Hyderabad, the main procession began from Qadam Gah Maula Ali and will conclude at Karbala Dadan Shah after passing through traditional routes and offering Zuhr prayers.

Authorities across the country have implemented comprehensive security plans to ensure the peaceful observance of Youm-e-Ashura and the safety of participants attending the processions and gatherings.