Mourning processions mark 9th of Muharram across Pakistan

Mourning processions were taken out across the country today as the 9th of Muharram is being observed with due solemnity and sanctity to pay homage to the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his companions in Karbala, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Taziya, Alam and Zuljanah processions were taken out in all major cities and towns in memory of the martyrs of Karbala and Nohas, marsiyas along with throbbing sounds of self-flagellation echoed around the streets.

Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), along with 72 of his companions including friends and family members, were martyred at the hands of Yazid’s troops at the battle of Karbala in Iraq in 61 AH (680 AD) after Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) rejected to pledge allegiance for Yazid’s tyrannical rule.

Religious clerics and scholars threw light over the historical, social and religious aspects of the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). Moreover, the bright and candid teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions were also emphasised through majalis. The remembrance of the event encouraged Muslims to inculcate those principles in practical life.

The role of the martyrs of Karbala was a beacon, teaching us a lesson of self-sacrifice and inspiring us to follow the teachings of Islam.

Security beefed up

Security has been beefed up across the country for the mourning processions and majalis. Law-enforcers including police and Rangers along with ladies and gents scouts were deployed all along the routes of the main processions.

As many as 1685 security personnel will be deployed to secure Islamabad's main procession whereas in Lahore around 17,000 security personnel along with surveillance cameras were used for security purposes.

Mobile phone service suspended   

The government has decided to suspend mobile phone service in Karachi, Islamabad and in 14 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police have been deployed in all sensitive areas and all roads leading to the imambargahs have been blocked by police and anyone wants to join the mourners was strictly checked.

Special traffic plans

Strict security measures were in place to ensure peaceful atmosphere on the occasion of 9th and 10th Muharram and special traffic plans for this occasion have been chalked out across the country.

The traffic police in all big cities had issued traffic diversion plans for the Ashura amd 9^th of Muharram processions.

Officials stated that arrangements have been made to designate alternative routes for traffic in the cities.

IG Punjab for ensuring foolproof security on Ashura

IGP Punjab Dr Usman Anwar has given the task of ensuring foolproof security to the police force throughout the province on the 9th and 10th of Muharram

In his special massage to the force, he said that Ashura is very important in terms of worship and respect for the entire Muslim world including Pakistan.

IG Punjab said on this important day the enemies of Pakistan and Islam may try to target citizens and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan.

He said they can dare to target Muharram processions and congregations or disturb peace and order.

He said rainy season or any other unexpected factors can cause any untoward incident.

 Dr Usman Anwar said It is the responsibility of the police force to prevent terrorist ambitions, maintain law and order situation and ensure excellent service delivery with equal importance.

He instructed that equal attention and diligent implementation should be ensured on these three aspects.

In his instructions he said that the duties of the police force will continue for 40 days, our primary duty is to crush the ambitions of the miscreants and restore law and order completely.

IG Punjab further said that if you are on duty at SPU, Traffic, Executive, Patrolling, CTD, Special Branch or any formation or point, you have to be more alert.

He said that the police force has to curb this menace with the cooperation of citizens and coordination with the district administration.

Due to the hard work of police teams, 11 times fewer violations have been reported this year than in previous years, IG Punjab added.

Dr Usman Anwar said that thanks to timely measures, FIRs were 13 times less this year, for which the police force deserves credit.

But the real success will be when we keep the citizens safe by doing our best duty with positive attitudes during the entire Muharram, IG Punjab added.

He said in his massage that worship and respect will continue and the security of the Majlis and procession held in every district of the province will be foolproof.

IG Punjab said that then people will chant Punjab Police zindabad and that will be our real success.

He instructed that while performing the security duties of Muharram gatherings and processions with hard work and enthusiasm, no sacrifice should be spared at all.