KARACHI, July 6 (TNF): Ashura processions across Pakistan concluded peacefully on Sunday evening amid tight security. The nation marked Muharram 10 with solemnity to honour Imam Husain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the martyrs of Karbala.
In Karachi, the main procession safely ended at Hussainiya Iraniyan Imam Bargah. Police confirmed the head of the procession reached the venue at 6:20 pm. Additional IG Karachi Javed Alam Odho praised the city police for excellent security. He thanked the traffic police for managing alternative routes and appreciated the cooperation of organisers, media, mourners, and other institutions.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed satisfaction over the peaceful culmination of Ashura. He credited police, Rangers, and local bodies for their efforts. Shah lauded religious scholars for promoting harmony and said, “Sindh is the land of Sufis. We stand for peace.” Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar also commended police, Rangers, and other security agencies for their performance.
In Hyderabad, the main procession ended at Karbala Dadan Shah. It started at Qadam Gah Maula Ali and was organised by Anjuman-i-Hyderi. The route was secured with barbed wire and heavy police and Rangers deployment. Mourners offered prayers at St Mary’s Convent School roundabout. Syed Wasim Hyder Zaidi and Allama Irfan Ali Kazmi addressed majalis during the procession.
In Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif congratulated her team for the best and most peaceful Muharram arrangements. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb visited key locations and the Home Department’s control room. She reviewed security monitored by 7,500 cameras and 113,000 deployed personnel. Authorities reported 1,600 hate accounts and arrested 170 individuals.
In Multan, 225 majalis and 283 processions took place with over 5,000 police on duty. CCTV covered 180 locations. Rescue 1122 deployed 600 staff, 15 fire tenders, 30 ambulances, and 93 motorbike ambulances. Similar arrangements were made across Punjab.
In Lahore, 55 ambulances, 300 motorbikes, and 1,350 rescuers ensured safety. Khanewal officials inspected routes and confirmed foolproof security.
In Islamabad, 4,000 police secured 12 processions and 48 gatherings. IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi supervised operations using Safe City cameras, drones, and control rooms.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said 4,836 processions and 5,480 majalis took place nationwide. Punjab hosted 2,502 majalis and 3,025 processions; Sindh 1,040 majalis and 1,039 processions; KP 735 majalis and 257 processions; Balochistan 32 majalis and 24 processions; Gilgit-Baltistan 1,070 majalis and 141 processions; and AJK 47 majalis and 41 processions.
In Karachi, the Nishtar Park majlis began at 8:30 am, led by Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi. About 3,500 to 4,000 mourners attended. 7,004 police personnel and snipers ensured security.
In Peshawar, 12 processions were held, with two concluding safely by evening.