Youm-e-Ashur, the tenth of Muharram-ul-Haram, is being observed across the country today across the country with due solemnity to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in Karbala.

Tight security arrangements have been made to protect the mourning processions and gatherings on the occasion.

Mourning processions are being taken out in several cities and towns across the country.

Addressing the mourning gatherings, Ulema and Zakireen were highlighting the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and various aspects of the Karbla tragedy.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made to avoid any untoward incident during the Muharram-ul-Haram.

Processions carrying replicas of the Alam and Zuljanah are being taken out in cities and towns across the country amid stringent security arrangements.

Lahore procession

In Lahore, the main procession of Youm-e-Ashur has reached the Mohalla Shian after commencing from Nisar Haveli inside Mochi Gate.

The procession, being held under stringent security arrangements, will pass through its traditional routes in the Walled City before concluding at Karbala Gamay Shah.

A large number of mourners are participating in the procession to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala.

Sabeels have been set up along the route to facilitate mourners.

Police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed to ensure security, while the procession is being continuously monitored through Safe City cameras and control rooms.

Security has been placed on high alert across Punjab on the occasion of Youm-e-Ashur.

According to the Inspector General of Police Punjab, nearly 100,000 police personnel have been deployed across the province to provide security for mourning processions and religious gatherings.

A total of 2,732 processions and 2,567 majalis are being held across Punjab on Friday.

In Lahore alone, special security arrangements have been put in place for 45 processions and 231 majalis.

Officials said that walk-through gates, metal detectors, CCTV surveillance systems, plainclothes commandos and snipers along procession routes have been deployed as part of the security plan.

The Safe Cities Authority and district control rooms are maintaining round-the-clock monitoring of all activities.

Karachi

In Karachi, the main Youm-e-Ashur procession started from Nishtar Park, with a large number of mourners participating to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions.

The procession, which began after a Majlis-e-Aza, has reached Numaish Chowrangi via M.A. Jinnah Road, where mourners continued noha khwani and matam before proceeding along the designated route.

The procession will conclude at the Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.

Participants were scheduled to offer Zuhrain prayers at 1pm at the Tibet Centre, with Allama Shehenshah Naqvi leading the prayers.

Extraordinary security measures have been put in place for Muharram processions and gatherings, with senior police officials supervising the deployment of thousands of security personnel.

CCTV cameras were being used to monitor the procession route as part of the extensive security arrangements.

Moreover, Sabeels offering water and refreshments have been set up at various points along the route to facilitate mourners and other people, while medical camps have also been set up at various places to provide immediate assistance if required.

Similar processions are also being held in Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gilgit, Skardu, Muzaffarabad and other cities.

To commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions, devotees have arranged Niaz and Sabeels, providing meals and water, along procession routes for mourners and the public.

Peshawar

In Peshawar, 12 processions are being taken out on Youm-e-Ashur, with the central procession commencing from the Imambargah Agha Syed Ali Shah Rizvi.

The main procession will pass through its traditional route before concluding at the Imambargah Agha Mustafa Shah.

Mourning processions from other imambargahs across the city will conclude at their respective destinations.

Later in the day, Majalis-e-Sham-e-Ghariban will be held after Maghrib prayers to commemorate the tragedy of Karbala.

Authorities have put in place stringent security arrangements for mourning processions and imambargahs across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Of the province’s 614 imambargahs, 127 have been designated as highly sensitive and 262 as sensitive.

More than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed in Peshawar for security duties, while Frontier Corps (FC) personnel have also been called in to assist with security arrangements.

A central command and control centre has been established at Kohati Chowk, and aerial surveillance of the processions is being carried out to ensure security.

Speaking to the media, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Peshawar Dr Mian Saeed said extensive security measures had been implemented for Muharram, with over 10,000 police personnel deployed across the city.

“The inner city has been completely sealed off as part of the security plan,” he said.

Dr Saeed said anti-drone technology was being used to counter potential threats, while surveillance was also being conducted through cameras installed under the Safe City Project.

He added that the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and other security agencies were assisting the police in maintaining law and order.

“We are confident that Youm-e-Ashur will conclude peacefully,” the CCPO said.