Ashura was celebrated across the country amid tight security measures and calls for unity and tolerance.

MURREE/ KOHAT/ RAWALPINDI/ PESHAWAR/ ISLAMABAD:

More than 12,000 police officers and personnel were deployed in Rawalpindi and Islamabad as the Ashura processions began on Friday, with extensive security measures including snipers on high-rise buildings, drones, a customized CNIC scanning app and a complete suspension of mobile and internet services in Rawalpindi.

Rawalpindi

The Rawalpindi central procession left from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain, Teli Mohalla, where more than 8,000 police officers and personnel were on duty. Of them, more than 5,500 were assigned to the central procession alone, and more than 1,200 traffic police officers also performed their duties. More than 1,000 volunteers helped with security.

All routes leading to the funeral processions were sealed, and the city was monitored through more than 2,000 Safe City and other cameras and continuous monitoring from the Safe City and the Central Control Room. Snipers were deployed on high-rise buildings and drone surveillance was also carried out. Participants in the procession were only allowed entry after body searches, and female police personnel conducted checks on the women. Metal detectors and access doors were also installed.

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Rawalpindi Police developed a special identification and scanning application that can scan anyone’s CNIC instantly. Security personnel used the app at picket lines and bus terminals, verifying protesters’ identities.

The Rawalpindi administration has imposed a ban on passenger travel, while mobile phone and internet services remain completely suspended. Standing on rooftops and windows along procession routes was prohibited, as was placing stones or bricks on rooftops or carrying matches, cigarettes, lighters, or weapons into processions.

Emergency was declared in hospitals, 350 CCTV cameras were installed and a control room was established, with visits from Governor Saleem Haider, Commissioner, RPO, CPO and Deputy Commissioner.

“Full implementation of the code of conduct and SOPs issued by the Punjab government will be ensured,” the CPO said.

The first procession emerged from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Teli Mohalla, the second from Imambargah Colonel Maqbool, the third from Imambargah Hifazat Ali Shah, the fourth from Imambargah Shohda-e-Karbala in Tire Bazaar, the fifth from Imambargah Darbar Shah Chan Chiragh Badshah and the sixth from Imambargah Baltistania. All the processions were to converge at Purana Qila Urdu Bazaar Chowk, and participants would offer Zuhr and Asr prayers at Fawara Chowk, while Maghrib and Isha prayers would be offered at Jamia Masjid Road.

Read more: Ninth Muharram processions conclude across country amid tight security measures

The central procession will pass through designated routes and will conclude late at night. At the request of the administration, the police will be assisted by the Rangers while Pakistan Army troops will remain on guard.

Murree

In Murree, the central Ashura procession was to emerge on Mall Road, which has been completely closed to traffic and the route cleared, said DPO Dr Muhammad Raza Tanveer. Tourists entering Murree must have a confirmed hotel reservation, while locals will only be allowed entry on presentation of their CNIC. Movement at all locations in Murree except Mall Road will remain unrestricted, with additional police personnel deployed on alternative routes to maintain traffic flow. The DPO urged people to download the ‘Safe Tourism Murree’ app to get real-time traffic and safety updates.

islamabad

In Islamabad, more than 4,000 police officers and personnel were deployed at Imambargahs, procession routes, religious gatherings and mosques for Friday prayers. Inspector General (IG) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi personally supervised all Ashura security arrangements, with DIG Safe City/Traffic Haroon Joiya, DIG Muhammad Jawad Tariq, DIG Security Rana Umar Farooq and other senior officers conducting field visits to Imambargahs and procession routes.

IG Rizvi stated: “All officers and staff must perform their duties during Muharram with complete honesty, dedication and spirit of service,” reaffirming that Islamabad Police “remains committed to ensuring the safety of mourners and maintaining law and order on Ashura.”

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According to Islamabad police, the procession will “start at Imambargah Musa Kazim and continue through Khayaban-e-Sir Syed before concluding back at Imambargah Musa Kazim.”

Due to this, the police indicated that traffic will be diverted on several roads, announcing alternative routes. “Citizens are requested to use alternative routes during the procession,” police said, adding that those participating in the procession “should park their vehicles and motorcycles in designated parking areas.”

Meanwhile, Senate President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, in a message on the occasion of Ashura, called the day an “eternal symbol of truth, righteousness, patience, sacrifice and steadfastness against oppression.” He added: “The tragedy of Karbala highlights the clear distinction between truth and falsehood in every era.”

Stating that Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions made great sacrifices in Karbala “to safeguard the religion of Islam, human dignity and the principles of justice and equity”, the President said the occasion “conveys the message of promoting unity, tolerance, brotherhood and national solidarity”. He called on the nation to adopt in its collective character and behavior the noble values ​​for which the Ahl-e-Bait (RA) offered eternal sacrifices.

Peshawar

More than 10,000 security personnel were deployed in Peshawar as 12 Ashura processions took place across the city, capital city police officer (CCPO) Dr Mian Saeed said.

He added that the city center was completely sealed, with monitoring carried out via drones, Safe City cameras and 171 CCTV cameras. An anti-drone system was also installed, while three command posts and police checkpoints were established at entry points to the city.

The CCPO noted that the Pakistan Army and other security agencies were working along with the KP Police to ensure order and security amid the processions. “We hope that Ashura passes peacefully throughout the country today,” he said.

Mobile phone services have been partially suspended in the city center. CCPO Peshawar Dr Mian Saeed is personally supervising security measures.

The first procession emerged from Syed Ali Shah Rizvi Imambangah, passing through its traditional routes before concluding at Agha Mustafa Shah Imambangah. A total of 12 Alam and Zuljanah processions are emerging from Imambargahs across the city.

The mourners advance while beating their chests and flagellating themselves with chains. Rescue 1122 has deployed special medical teams and water and refreshment stations have been set up at various locations along the routes. Bomb disposal squad personnel are also present. WSSP staff are also carrying out their duties.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, in a special message on the occasion, said that “Karbala is not merely an event but the title of the eternal victory of humanity in the battle between truth and falsehood.”

He said the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) “shook the halls of oppression and made the supremacy of truth eternal”, adding that “standing united against oppression, tyranny, fascism and injustice is the need of the hour.”

Furthermore, CM Afridi said, “We must adopt the message of Karbala to strengthen Pakistan, promote national unity and uphold Islamic values.”

Meanwhile, Provincial Information Minister Shafi Khan called the Karbala tragedy “an eternal saga of patience, steadfastness, selflessness, sacrifice and steadfast permanence for the sake of truth, which will serve as a guiding torch for all humanity until the end of time.”

The minister paid tribute to Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions, stating that “their great sacrifice for the supremacy of truth and against falsehood, oppression and tyranny is an unparalleled chapter in the history of humanity.”

On the occasion, Jan “emphasized the need to promote national unity, inter-sect harmony and brotherhood”, appealing to “scholars, elders and people of all schools of thought to fully play their role in promoting peace, tolerance and mutual respect so that an atmosphere of peace and security can be maintained in the province.”

Awami National Party (ANP) Central President Senator Aimal Wali Khan in his message said that the great sacrifices of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions remain “a shining symbol of resistance against tyranny”.

He noted that KP remains in the grip of terrorism, insecurity and bloodshed, and innocent citizens, security personnel, political workers, religious scholars and youth continue to be attacked. He called for a “clear, serious and consistent strategy” to eliminate terrorism and said all schools of thought should play their role in promoting religious harmony, mutual respect, unity and tolerance.

“Lasting peace is not established by weapons, but by justice, the supremacy of the Constitution and the rights of the people,” he stated.

Kohat

The Ashura funeral procession in Kohat emerged from Bannu Bazaar, passing through its traditional routes until reaching Milad Chowk, where it will converge with the processions of Qaumi Imambargah and Syed Habib Imambargah.

More than 2,100 police officers have been deployed, procession routes have been sealed and mobile phone services have been suspended across the district.