Muharram 9 processions held across Pakistan peacefully amid tight security

• 2,763 processions, 7,598 majalis held across Pakistan.
• Security particularly tight in 1,129 highly sensitive areas.
• No tolerance for "religious incitement" on social media, says Naqvi.

Nationwide processions and majalis, in connection with the ninth of Muharram-ul Haram, were held on Saturday to pay homage to Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted companions for their sacrifice in Karbala.

Authorities have implemented stringent security measures across the country to ensure peace and order during these observances. 

A staggering 2,763 processions and 7,598 majalis were held across Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are on high alert, with elaborate security arrangements in place to prevent any untoward incidents.

Today's observances include 61 majalis and 17 processions in the federal capital; 3,805 majalis and 1,677 processions in Punjab; 1,207 majalis and 644 processions in Sindh; 939 majalis and 261 processions in KP; 115 majalis and 11 processions in Balochistan; 1,290 majalis and 111 processions in Gilgit-Baltistan, and 181 majalis and 42 processions in AJK.

Islamabad

In the federal capital, the main 9th Muharram procession commenced from Markzai Imam Bargah G-6/2. After passing through its traditional route, the procession culminated at the same point.

Karachi

The port city witnessed its main procession originating from Nishtar Park, which, after passing through its traditional route of MA Jinnah Road, Empress Market, and Regal Chowk, culminated at Imam Bargah Hussainian Iranian, Kharadar.

Over 5,000 police personnel were deployed along these routes and majalis venues to maintain order.

Peshawar

In Peshawar, the central procession was taken out from Imam Bargah Hussainia Hall, Saddar Road, with several other processions joining it, after emerging from different Imam Bargahs. 

The procession, after passing through its traditional routes, terminated at its starting point.

More than 11,000 police personnel have been deployed in the city to maintain order, and Rescue 1122 has set up a Medical Response Unit along the procession routes for emergency medical assistance.

Similar processions were also reported in Kohat, Hangu, Dera Ismail Khan, and Kurram districts.

Gilgit-Baltistan

In Gilgit-Baltistan, the central Zuljinah and Alam procession was taken out from Imam Bargah Kasra Akbar, Dakpura, which culminated at Central Imamia Masjid in Gilgit.

Stringent security measures

Security is particularly tight in 1,129 designated highly sensitive areas, which are under continuous surveillance via drones and CCTV cameras.

In a first for Islamabad's Ashura security plan, a mobile control room capable of operating without mobile signals has been established under the directives of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is personally overseeing these crucial monitoring and coordination efforts alongside  Minister of State Tallal Chaudhry and Interior Secretary Khurram Agha.

The federal government’s central monitoring cell is operational 24/7, working in close coordination with provincial governments.

Security plans have been developed in consultation with provincial governments, with a strict zero-tolerance policy on hate speech or sectarian provocations. 

Furthermore, both central and provincial control rooms have been activated for real-time coordination and response.

Naqvi emphasised that "religious incitement" on social media "will not be tolerated under any circumstances", stressing that "maintaining law and order is the top priority".

"Ashura will remain peaceful through the efforts of the government and the tireless dedication of security forces," he added.