To pay homage to the eternal sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions, devotees lead mourning processions on the day of Ashura across the country. Security was on high alert while mobile phone and internet services were suspended in several cities especially in the area along the procession routes.

President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, former President Asif Ali Zardari and other leaders issued statements on Ashura, saying the day has a deep historical and spiritual significance for Muslims all over the world.

The martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) teaches us to resist oppression, oppression and injustice, said the prime minister.

In the challenges and trials that our nation and the entire Muslim Ummah are facing, we should learn from Imam Hussain’s Farbani, said Shehbaz Sharif.

Karachi

The main procession in Karachi left from Nishtar Park at 10am. The MA Jinnah road was closed for the traffic and shops and the street straddling the road was sealed.

Over 400 streets and roads were closed in the city.

Strict security arrangements saw the deployment of over 2,500 soldiers including snipers. In total, more than eight thousand policemen and officers were on security duty.

The devotees have set up sabeels and food counters along the procession route.

Pillion riding of motorcycles is prohibited on 9th and 10th of Muharram in the city.

Lahore

In Lahore, the main procession of the day of Ashura emerged from Nisar Haveli in the inner city with thousands of mourners participating. The procession reached Rang Mahal in the afternoon.

Effective security arrangements were made on the occasion of Ashura Day.

Rawalpindi

In Rawalpindi, the main procession departed from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain Teli Mahalla.

Mobile phone service and metro bus service were suspended in the city and aerial surveillance of the procession was carried out.

The procession ended after the evening prayers.

Peshawar

Peshwar saw multiple mourning processions on the Day of Ashura.

The main procession of Ashura Day in Peshawar emerged from Imam Bargah Syed Ali Shah Rizvi Kochi Bazaar at 11am.

Twelve processions were taken out throughout the day, for which strict security arrangements were made.

At least 11,000 personnel provided security in Peshawar.

Other cities

At least 36 processions of Tazia, Alm and Zul-Jinah took out in Hafizabad. All the roads were completely sealed under security arrangements.

The security arrangements were completed by the district administration and police on Ashura Day in Khanewal. At least 80 processions and 58 assemblies will be held across the district .

In Kandhkot, the first mourning procession on the day of Ashura emerged from Syed Lal Shah Imambargah in Golimar.

Mobile and internet services remain suspended in DI Khan, Hangu, Orakzai, Karam, Kohat, Peshawar, Tank, Bannu, Haripur, Mansehra, Mardan, Nowshera, Lucky Marwat and Abbottabad on the 10th of Muharram.

Security cameras are monitoring all the time in sensitive districts and section 144 is enforced across the province for Ashura.