The biggest and the main procession of 9th of Muharram was taken out from Asna Ashrei Imambargah in G-6/2 here on Monday to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions. A large number of Shia devotees of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi took part in the procession and self-flagellation. The main procession was taken out after a sermon by Allama Nasir Abbas after Zuhar prayers where mourners prayed prayer for the stability and sovereignty of the country. The procession reached the same Imambargh after passing through its designated routes after Ishar prayer. Other processions also joined the main procession at different points.
The mourners paid homage to the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions. The processions reached its destination in the evening. The mourners were carrying big alams and their lamentation could be heard from afar. Apart from a large number of Rangers and police personnel a military helicopter was also used for the procession’s security. The law enforcement agencies had made strict security arrangements for the procession. Rangers, Frontier Constabulary (FC), over 500 personnel of capital police and personnel of civil defence had been deputed along the procession route and in sensitive areas.
The capital police also conducted a strict checking especially in the Red Zone area and the entry and exit points of the city.
The security personnel had blocked streets, which were opening at the procession route, with barbed wires. The personnel of law-enforcement agencies guarded the procession from the rooftops of different houses and buildings in the three different layers.
Ambulances and fire tenders were had also been deployed at different places. Scouts were also guarding the procession and checking suspected persons.
Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) had also made arrangements for the procession and the flow of traffic. The ITP deployed over 250 officers and jawans on the various routes of processions to avoid any inconvenience to the road users.
During the procession, Rohtas Road G-9 turn Kashmir Highway, G-10 double road, G-10/3-4 Signal, Swan Road near Police Colony G-9/1 and Ibne Seena road were blocked and the traffic was diverted to alternative routes. Fazle Haq Road and roads around the Polyclinic Hospital were also kept blocked.
Similarly, the 7th Avenue from F-6 Chowk to Soharwardi Road, Fazale Haq Road from China Chowk to Kalsum Plaza, the roads from Iqbal Hall to Melody Chowk, Municipal Road from Markazi. Jamia Masjid to Polyclinic Chowk, Luqman Hakeem Road from Polyclinic to Lal Quarter while G-6 service road from G-6/2 Chowk to Lal Quarter Chowk—were all also closed for general traffic.
