ISLAMABAD: Thousands of mourners are participating in 9th Muharram processions and gatherings across Pakistan today, as authorities enforce comprehensive security measures to maintain law and order during the observances.
Major processions and majalis are being held in cities including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur and Hangu. Security personnel have been deployed along procession routes, while sabeels have been set up to provide refreshments to participants.
In Lahore, the main Zuljanah procession began from Islampura, while another significant procession started from Pando Street and is scheduled to conclude at Khaima-e-Sadaat. According to Punjab Police, a total of 1,697 processions and 3,869 majalis are taking place across the province, including hundreds classified as highly sensitive.
Punjab Inspector General of Police said over 70,000 police officers and officials have been assigned security duties. Surveillance is being carried out through CCTV monitoring systems, walk-through gates and metal detectors. Snipers have also been positioned at strategic points, while plain-clothes security personnel are accompanying the processions.
The provincial police chief emphasized that cooperation among religious scholars, community leaders, civil administration and security institutions is helping ensure peaceful observance of Muharram events. Restrictions on double riding remain in effect, with exemptions for women, senior citizens and law enforcement personnel.
Karachi and Sindh
In Karachi, the central majlis is being held at Nishtar Park, where prominent religious scholar Allama Shehenshah Hussain Naqvi is scheduled to address participants. The main procession will depart from Nishtar Park and proceed along its traditional route before concluding at Hussainia Iranian in Kharadar later in the day.
Mourners are expected to offer Zuhrain prayers near Imambargah Ali Raza on M.A. Jinnah Road. To ensure security, more than 5,000 police officers have been deployed, supported by Rangers personnel.
Authorities have erected containers and barriers around roads and streets linked to the procession route, while mobile phone services have been suspended in surrounding areas. Traffic on M.A. Jinnah Road has also been restricted ahead of the procession.
In Sukkur, the centuries-old Nau Dhala Tazia procession has emerged from Imambargah Shah Iraq and is scheduled to reach Karbala Ground by evening. A similar historic procession in Rohri continues its traditional journey through designated routes.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan
In Hangu, mourners joined the 9th Muharram procession that started from Mohalla Syedan Ghari Bazaar and moved toward the central Imambargah via its established route under strict security arrangements.
Authorities in Balochistan have also implemented heightened security measures, deploying more than 32,000 personnel across the province to safeguard Muharram processions and religious gatherings.
Islamabad
In the federal capital, the main 9th Muharram procession is being taken out from Imambargah Isna Ashari in G-6, with police and other security agencies maintaining strict vigilance throughout the event.
Officials across the country have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that all Muharram observances are conducted peacefully and securely.
