KARACHI: Mourners took out mourning processions across the country on Saturday (today), the ninth of Muharram, to pay homage to the martyrs of Karbala.
In Karachi, the main procession was taken out from Nishtar Park, while in Lahore the procession began from Pando Street. In Islamabad, the procession was taken out from Asna Ashri Bargah, located in G-6/2, which was participated by a large number of mourners.
The annual Zuljinnah processions were taken out from almost all the cities and towns across the country and Majalis (religious gatherings) were held. In Karachi, police, Rangers, ladies and gents scouts were deployed at the route of the main procession. Sabeel (stalls for refreshment drinks) were set up as per old tradition.
In Karachi’s Pan Mandi, the 50-year-old tradition of Sabeel was kept alive this time too.In Multan, a Sabeel of tea and milk was also set up, whereas the 500-year-old traditional pot Sabeel also attracted throngs of mourners.
The metro service will remain suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi today and on the 10th of Muharram.
In Peshawar, people gathered at Hussainia Hall in Saddar from where the central procession emerged. The security officers had earlier cleared the area after a thorough inspection. In Peshawar and Quetta, for three-days, a ban has been placed on pillion-riding.
Ulema and zakireen shed light on the bright and candid teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his great companions. In Lahore, Parachinar, and Thar, mourners donated blood to commemorate the great sacrifices given in the Karbala tragedy.
The 10th of Muharram, Youm-e-Ashur, will be observed with great reverence on Sunday. In order to ensure smooth flow of traffic on the roads of Karachi, traffic police have given an alternate route plan for the public.
Ashura, on the 10th day of Muharram, remembers the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain Ibn-e-Ali(AS), one of the grandsons of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and is marked by large public commemorations by Muslims every year.
Stern security arrangements have been ensured across the country. Heavy contingents of police, Rangers and elite force have been deployed in the sensitive areas countrywide to avoid any untoward situation whereas aerial surveillance is also being carrying out. Command and control centres have also been established to monitor the processions while CCTV cameras are also being used.
Mobile phone services were partially suspended in major cities across the country on Saturday due to strict security arrangements to safeguard Muharram processions. Cellular and internet services were partially suspended in parts of Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and other cities beginning today, as authorities finalised arrangements ahead of the processions.
Mobile phone services had also been partially suspended in different parts of the country on Friday.