The major cities of the country, notably Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar, observe Muharram 9th processions on Saturday under increased security, with mobile telephony services suspended in certain areas and key locations sealed in the midst of disability fears.
The authorities of Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar have deployed tens of thousands of police officers, sealed with sensitive areas and partially suspended mobile telephone services in efforts to prevent any unfortunate incident.
In Karachi, the main Muharram 9th Procession will start at 1:00 p.m. from the Nishtar Park. Before the procession, a majlis (religious rally) will take place at the Nishtar Park, where Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi will produce a sermon. After the Majlis, the organization of Imamia students will direct the prayers of the Zuhrain congregation.
The procession will follow its traditional itinerary – pass through Nunish, Saddar, Radio Pakistan, Jamia Cloth and Denso Hall – before concluding that Iranian Iranian Irangah in Husainia in Kharadar. All security agreements have been finalized for the event.
In Lahore, the main procession began at 10:00 am in the city’s street area of the city. Punjab police spokesperson reported more than 147,000 officers and the staff was parked throughout the province to obtain 1,689 trials and nearly 3,900 major (religious gatherings). Just at Hore, 79 trials and 378 Majalis are protected by more than 10,000 officers.
Read: Karachi traffic plan for muharram processions
Special instructions were sent to the response unit to Dolphin Squad and the police (PRU). All teams maintain constant coordination with Rescue 1122, The Fire Brigade, Rescue 15 and other emergency services. Particular attention is paid to the safety of women and children.
“The whole province is on alert,” said Punjab Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar. “We strictly apply article 144 and the speaker law.”
In Peshawar, due to security problems, mobile telephony services were suspended for the 9th and 10th Muharram. The city’s BUT (Bus Rapid Transit) service was also interrupted for two days. The main procession started at 10:00 am from Husainia Hall. Saddar and Peshawar cantonment areas have been completely sealed and shopping centers are closed.
More than 10,000 police and security staff were deployed in Peshawar, while the entry of Afghan refugees in the city was prohibited for two days. Several important roads, including Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Khyber Bazaar, Circular Road and GT Road, have been closed.
