Muslims mark Muharram 10 with solemnity as they pay tribute to the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain.

Police has been on high alert to ensure security for processions. Mobile phones have been shut down in major cities in a bid to prevent any untoward incident.

Many processions will begin in the morning and end by the early evening. Roads have been sealed to allow the processions.

As this is the second year Ashura is being observed under the pandemic, administrators have issued SOPs that need to be adhered to.

In a series of tweets the Prime Minister issued a statement on the occasion of Ashura reminding people that Imam Hussain's life was testament to how one should always side with the truth and never hesitate to sacrifice their life for a cause.

Imam Hussain preferred martyrdom to bowing before tyranny of Yazid, he said.

He also asked people to follow the SOPs during processions.

President Dr Arif Alvi issued a statement on the occasion of Ashura, saying the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain symbolises determination and perseverance.

“We have to prepare ourselves for all kinds of sacrifices by becoming a metaphor of determination and stability for our religion, nation, and country,” the president said.