LAHORE: The 9th of Muharram is being observed throughout the country on Thursday with due solemnity and sanctity to pay homage to the sacrifices of Hazrat Hussain (RA) and his companions in Karbala.
On the occasion, Ulema and Zakireen will throw light on the bright and candid teachings of Hazrat Hussain (RA) as well. Moreover, strict security arrangements have been made to avoid any untoward incident during the mourning processions.
In addition to that, special traffic plan for the processions have also been chalked out.
The main Ashura procession in Lahore will begin from Imambargah Pando Street, Islampura while in Karachi it will start from Nishtar Park and in Islamabad from Sector G-6-II Imambargah.
Further, the Pak-Afghan border at Chaman and Pak-Iran border at Taftan have been closed for two days.
Earlier, in Karachi, the main procession of Muharram 8th was taken out from Nishtar Park on Wednesday noon, which passed through various traditional routes and culminated at Husanian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar amid tight security.
Several key roads leading to the procession route remained closed for traffic or it was diverted to alternative routes.
As many as 1,600 police officers with 22 mobiles and 20 motorcycles were deployed along with the 3.5-kilometre stretch, where the procession passed through the South district. Moreover, the policemen were also deployed at 70 rooftops in the route.
Inspector General of Police Sindh Dr Syed Kaleem Imam on Wednesday monitored the security of the central procession at the command and control system established at the Central Police Office with the help of closed-circuit television cameras installed at different places.
He further directed the police to provide security monitoring reports on a daily basis.
IG Imam also asked the officers of other districts for the strengthening of coordination with Rangers and other law enforcement agencies so that intelligence could be shared on time to prevent any eventuality.
It was reported that pillion riding would remain suspended as Imam said he would “personally monitor the Ashura security through the command and control system”.
Moreover, Adviser to Chief Minister for Information, Law and Anti-Corruption Barrister Murtaza Wahab had said that foolproof security arrangements are being ensured during Muharram-ul-Haram with heavy deployment of law enforcers.
The federal government has announced public holiday on 9th and 10th of Muharram.
Strict security arrangement had been made for the Muharram processions across the country. All the four provincial government had also been requested to shut the cellular services to avoid any untoward situation.