Ashura processions conclude peacefully across Pakistan

Youm-e-Ashur was observed with solemnity and reverence across Pakistan as mourning processions concluded peacefully under stringent security arrangements on Sunday.

Majlis-e-Sham-e-Ghariban were held in various cities, where heartfelt tributes were paid to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala for their supreme sacrifices.

Across the country, mourning processions (jaloos) peacefully reached their designated destinations, with comprehensive security and facilitation measures ensuring a safe and organised environment for mourners.

– Lahore –

The central procession in Lahore was taken out from Nisar Haveli, inside Mochi Gate, following its traditional route and culminating at Karbala Gamay Shah. Participants offered Zuhrain prayers at Rang Mahal Chowk. Arrangements included stalls distributing sharbat, milk, and free meals (langar) along the route.

Over 1,600 CCTV cameras monitored the processions, while snipers were deployed on rooftops and strict checking was enforced at five major entry points. More than 15,000 police and traffic officers were deployed for security.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Punjab IG, CCPO Lahore, DIG Operations and other provincial ministers visited Karbala Gamay Shah to review the security arrangements.

– Multan –

In Multan, 116 processions were held. The historic Ustad-o-Shagird ta'ziya procession concluded at Haram Gate Chowk. Azadari remained peaceful under extensive security arrangements.

– Sialkot –

Sialkot's main procession commenced from Imambargah Dar-e-Batool and concluded at Adda Pasruriyan, while the historic procession from Imambargah Mistri Abdullah ended at Imam Sahib Chowk. All processions were strictly monitored.

– Bahawalpur –

In Bahawalpur, 112 mourning processions were carried out, all of which concluded at the historic Imambargah Karbala Chowk. Over 2,700 police officers and volunteers were deployed for security.

– Kasur –

The central procession in Kasur began from Imambargah Sadat Manzil and ended at Imambargah Hussainia, Kot Rukn Din Khan. Security and facilities for mourners were thoroughly arranged.

– Kot Addu –

South Punjab’s largest and 100-year-old historic procession concluded at Tibbi Imam Karbala. Fifty-four other processions from the surrounding areas also ended at this site.

– Sargodha –

In Sargodha, the central procession concluded at Imambargah Karbala Manzil, with duties carried out by the Rangers, police, and other security agencies.

– Hasan Abdal –

Hasan Abdal's main mourning procession began at 11:00 AM from Imambargah Hussainia, Panja Bazaar, and ended at Mill Pirran Imambargah.

– Karachi –

Karachi’s central Youm-e-Ashur procession was taken out from Nishtar Park and concluded at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah, Kharadar, following its traditional route. Security was tight, with CCTV surveillance in place.

– Hyderabad –

In Hyderabad, the central procession under the supervision of Anjuman Haidari started from Qadam Gah Mola Ali and passed through Koh-e-Noor Chowk, Station Road, and Saint Mary Chowk, concluding at Karbala Dadan Shah. Over 25 mourning groups participated. Zuhrain prayers were offered at Saint Mary Chowk.

– Ghotki –

In Ghotki, the central procession from Dharki Hussaini Imambargah concluded at Haidri Imambargah. Azadari was observed peacefully under tight security arrangements.

– Peshawar –

All Youm-e-Ashur processions in Peshawar concluded peacefully. The final procession emerged from Imambargah Haider Shah and returned to the same location after completing its traditional route.

– Lakki Marwat –

Lakki Marwat's sole Muharram-ul-Haram procession followed its traditional route and ended at Bukhari Shah. A central control room monitored proceedings, with strict security in place.

– Nowshera –

In Nowshera, the central procession also concluded peacefully under tight security. Mourners paid homage to the martyrs of Karbala.

– Marriyum Aurangzeb's statement  –

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that, under the direction of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the largest-ever arrangements were made for Youm-e-Ashur. These included comprehensive security, cleanliness, cold water and sharbat stalls, langar distribution, and emergency services.

She termed the arrangements satisfactory and appreciated the efforts of the police and relevant departments.

– Stringent security –

Across Pakistan, the peaceful observance of Youm-e-Ashur was made possible by stringent security measures, including CCTV, drones, and extensive facilities for mourners. The nation paid glowing tributes to the unparalleled sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala, reinforcing a message of unity, sacrifice, and peace.