ISLAMABAD: Ashura was observed across the country on Tuesday with solemnity to pay homage to Hazrat Imam Husain (AS) and other martyrs of Karbala amid strict security to protect mourners from any untoward incident.
Processions were carried out in various cities as thousands of security personnel were deployed to protect the mourners.
KARACHI:
In Karachi, the main Ashura procession started at Nishtar Park and concluded at Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.
Accompanied by Sindh Information Minister Saeed Ghani, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reached New Preedy Street Lines Area where he led the procession.
Deputy Inspector General (East) Amir Farooqi said that 7,000 policemen and 3,000 Rangers personnel had been deployed for the security of the procession in the city.
LAHORE:
In Lahore, the main procession started at Nisar Haveli at midnight and culminated after passing through Mochi Gate, Mori Gate, Wazir Khan Mosque, Paniwala Talaab areas. Namaz-i-Zuhr were offered at Rung Mehal.
The procession culminated at Karbala Gamay Shah.
Over 8,000 police officials were deployed in the city. At least 14 superintendents of police, 24 deputy superintendents of police and 87 inspectors were also deployed. The special security unit of Lahore police, the Anti-Riot Force, the Dolphin Squad and the Police Response Unit were also on duty.
Additionally, barbed wires and barriers were placed on roads leading to the main procession. Snipers had positioned on roofs of buildings on the procession route. Attendees of the procession were allowed entry following security checks.
Mobile services had also been suspended in areas where the procession was passing through.
QUETTA:
The procession in Quetta also reached to its destination. Namaz-i-Zuhrain were offered at the Bacha Khan Chowk area. Amid tight security, the procession started from Alamdar Road, passed through the traditional routes before culminating in the Alamdar Road area of Marriabad.
Tight security arrangements were made across Balochistan to observe Ashura with over 5,500 policemen deployed to maintain order. Frontier Corps personnel were positioned at sensitive locations and at check posts to avoid any untoward incident.
Dozens of small processions were taken out in the city and they all gathered at Alamdar Road.
RAWALPINDI:
The main procession in Rawalpindi emerged from Imambargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain and culminated at Imambargah Qadeemi in the Bani area.
Tight security arrangements were made with walkthrough gates and CCTV cameras installed in order to check the entry and exit of people. Metro bus services had also been suspended in the city.
PESHAWAR:
In Peshawar, multiple Ashura processions were taken out and concluded after passing through the traditional routes.
Mobile phone services had been suspended in the city as part of security measures.