Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram is being observed with solemnity and religious sanctity throughout the country and Azad Kashmir today amid stringent security cover to pay tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions for the supreme sacrifices rendered by them for the cause of truth, justice and righteousness.

The day is observed to commemorate the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his 72 companions at Karbala to uphold the banner of truth.

Tazia, Alam and Zuljinah processions are being taken out in all cities and towns across the country. On this occasion, special security arrangements have been made for the maintenance of peace. Police pickets have been established on all entry and exit points of the capital where every vehicle is being checked. Zakireen, nauhakhawn and naatkhwan will highlight the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions who laid down their lives for the supremacy of justice and righteousness.

Foolproof security arrangements have been made by the administration to ensure the protection of Imambargahs, Mosques and processions all over the country. TV and Radio channels are presenting special programmes while newspapers will brought out special supplements highlighting the spirit of supreme sacrifice. Hospitals have been asked to remain alert to meet any emergency situation. Security has been tightened across the country where police personnel and Rangers are deployed on the routes of the procession.

In all major cities of Punjab strict security arrangements have been made for the procession of 10th of Muharram. In Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan all roads leading to Imambargahs have been sealed and strict security has been ensured for the processions. A large number of people will visit graveyards during Youm-e-Ashur to pray for the departed souls of their loved ones.

Religious scholars have urged countrymen to follow in the footsteps of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and adopt his values to eradicate all kinds of ignorance from the country. "The way to pay tribute to Imam Hussain (RA) is to follow his values wholeheartedly," they said, adding: "For us, this day holds importance as the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) along with his 72-companions embraced martyrdom in Karbala."

They said the event of Karbala is very significant which affected every aspect of human life, unveiled aspects of superior character and provided standards to judge a person and increased knowledge and light by piercing the dark curtains of ignorance and deceptions.