Summary Security arrangements have been completed to maintain law and order across the country.
LAHORE (Web Desk) – Ninth Muharram is being observed today (Friday) with solemnity to pay homage to Imam Husain (R.A) and other martyrs of Karbala amid strict security to protect mourners against any terrorist attack.
The holy month of Muharram commemorates the death of Imam Hussain (R.A), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and other martyrs in the Battle of Karbala in modern-day Iraq in the year 680.
Members of Shia community dressed in black mark the day with mourning rituals and passion plays re-enacting the martyrdom.
The federal government has announced two public holidays on account of Ashura on October 23 and 24.
In Karachi, the main procession of ninth Muharram appeared from Nishtar Park at 1:00pm. It will pass through tradition routes and end at Hussainia Irania Imambargah in Kharadar area.
The mourning procession in the city will lead to closure of roads from Numaish Chowrangi to Tower, whereas, adjoining streets will be closed by placing shipping containers.
In Lahore, the central Zuljinnah and mourning procession, which started from the Pandu Street Islampura this morning, is passing through its traditional routs and would culminate at the same venue late night.
In Peshawar, the main procession was taken out from Imam Bargah Hussainia Hall Sadar Road. After passing through its traditional route, it will culminate at the same place.
The mourners are following the traditional routes and recalling the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) and his companions for the supremacy of Islam.
STRICT SECURITY IN PLACE
Security arrangements have been completed to maintain law and order across the country during 9th of Muharram and Ashura.
All the provincial governments have beefed up security for mourning processions and thousands of security personnel have been deployed to avoid any untoward incident.
Beside Police personnel, law enforcement agencies personnel have also been deployed to ensure peace and harmony.
Pillion-riding has been banned for two days while control rooms have been set up for strict monitoring through CCTV cameras.
Mobile phone services will also be blocked in sensitive areas in 68 districts across Pakistan on 9th and 10th Muharram. The Interior Minister has sent list of the areas to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Mobile phone service is being blocked for two days to prevent bombings, as terrorists often use cellular phones as detonators.
