The main cities throughout the country, including Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar, are observing the processions of Muharram ninth on Saturday under greater security, with mobile phone services suspended in some sealed areas and locations sealed in the midst of fears of restlessness.
The authorities in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar deployed tens of thousands of police personnel, sealing sensitive areas and mobile phone services partially suspended in efforts to avoid adverse incidents.
In Karachi, the main procession of Muharram in the novena will begin at 1:00 pm of the Nishtar Park. Before the procession, a Majlis (religious meeting) will be held in Nishtar Park, where Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi will deliver a sermon. After the Majlis, the Imamia students will direct the Congregational Prayers of Zuhrain.
The procession will follow its traditional route, passing through Numaish, Saddar, Radio Pakistan, Jamia Taps and dense Hall, before concluding in the Imanián Imania Imambargah of Husainia in Kharadar. All security arrangements have been completed for the event.
In Lahore, the main procession began at 10:00 am in the Pandu Street area of the city. Punjab police spokesman reported that more than 147,000 officers and staff were parked throughout the province to ensure 1,689 processions and almost 3,900 Majalis (religious meetings). Only in Lahore, 79 processions and 378 Majalis are being protected by more than 10,000 officers.
Read: Karachi Traffic Plan for Muharram processions
Special instructions have been issued to the Dolphin Squadron and the Police Response Unit (PRU). All teams maintain constant coordination with the 1122 rescue, the Fire Brigade, the 15 and other emergency services. Special attention is paid to the safety of women and children.
“The entire province is on a maximum alert,” said Punjab Inspector, Dr. Usman Anwar. “We are strictly calling section 144 and the Speakers Law.”
In Peshawar, due to security concerns, mobile phone services have been suspended for Muharram 9 and 10. The BRT (fast bus bus) service has also been arrested for two days. The main procession began at 10:00 am from Husainia Hall. The areas of Saddar and Peshawar acantonation have been completely sealed, and the shopping centers are closed.
More than 10,000 police officers and security personnel have been deployed in Peshawar, while the entry of Afghan refugees in the city has been prohibited for two days. Several important roads have been closed, including the Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Khyber Bazaar, Circular Road and GT Road.
