Mourning processions marking the 9th of Muharram were held across Pakistan on Thursday with religious devotion and stringent security arrangements in place to maintain law and order.

Thousands of mourners participated in processions and gatherings commemorating the sacrifices of the martyrs of Karbala, particularly Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions.

In Karachi, the central procession emerged from Nishtar Park and proceeded along its traditional route.

Special arrangements, including water stalls, refreshments and free meals, were made for participants.

The procession offered Zuhrain prayers near Imambargah Ali Raza on M.A. Jinnah Road before continuing towards its destination at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.

In Peshawar, two major Zuljanah processions were taken out from Imambargah Hussainia Hall in Saddar and Imambargah Bibi Sahiba in Tehsil Ganj.

Several other processions also commenced from various imambargahs across the city ahead of Ashura.

Authorities deployed more than 12,000 police officers and personnel for security duties, while bomb disposal teams, CCTV monitoring and drone surveillance were employed along procession routes.

Mobile phone services remained partially suspended, and entry and exit points of the city were placed under strict monitoring.

In Islamabad, the main 9th Muharram procession began after Zuhrain prayers from Imambargah Asna Ashari and passed through designated routes before concluding at the central imambargah.

More than 3,000 police, Special Branch and traffic police personnel were deployed as part of a three-tier security plan.

Rangers and Counter-Terrorism Department units were also stationed along the route, while Safe City surveillance systems monitored the event.

Authorities installed scanners at entry points and imposed a ban on private drone operations in procession areas.

In Lahore, the central mourning procession was taken out from Pando Street in Islampura and passed through traditional routes before returning to its starting point.

Participants remembered the message of Imam Hussain (RA) and highlighted the values of peace, tolerance and steadfastness in the face of oppression.

In Quetta, the 9th Muharram Zuljanah and Alam procession emerged from Imambargah Nasir-ul-Aza and followed its traditional route before concluding on Usman Road.

Mobile phone services in Quetta and surrounding areas remained suspended for two days as part of security measures.

Roads along the procession route were sealed, while religious scholars addressed gatherings on the significance of the Karbala tragedy.

Mourning processions and religious gatherings were also held in Vehari, Raiwind, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sargodha, Renala Khurd, Shorkot, Rajanpur, Gujranwala, Jalalpur Pirwala, Chunian, Toba Tek Singh, Sheikhupura, Taxila and several other cities and towns.

Across the country, volunteers and charitable organisations set up water stalls and distributed food, milk, beverages and other refreshments among mourners.

Organisers said serving participants in memory of the martyrs of Karbala was a source of spiritual fulfilment and a tribute to their sacrifices for Islam.