Ashura Day (10th of Muharram) in Pakistan was marked with profound reverence and solemnity as people gathered to honor Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the martyrs of Karbala.
These processions followed their designated routes and concluded peacefully. Across the country, including in Lahore, marking the Day of Ashura, solemn mourning processions filled the streets of both small and large cities. Zakareen (reciters) and Ulemas (religious scholars) illuminated the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the significance of the tragic events of Karbala.
Stringent security measures were implemented to ensure the safety and peaceful observance of the mourning processions, preventing any untoward incidents during this deeply significant day.
Across the country, millions of mourners participated in Ashura processions and gatherings. Sabils (refreshment stalls) were set up for the participants, and offerings were distributed throughout the day.
Lahore
The main Ashura procession in Lahore started from Nisar Haveli and concluded at Karbala Gamay Shah. Security was tight, with over 10,000 police personnel deployed. Maryam Aurangzeb, along with Provincial Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique, Bilal Yasin, Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, and Interior Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, inspected the procession's security arrangements.
Mengal provided a briefing on the central processions across Punjab, including Lahore. Maryam Aurangzeb emphasized that, following the directives of Punjab's Chief Minister, the entire cabinet was active in maintaining law and order. Special Niaz (charity meals), Langar (communal meals), and Sabils were organized across the province, continuing until Chehlum.
Rohri
Rohri saw its historic 450-year-old mourning procession, which followed traditional routes and ended at the Martyrs Cemetery.
Hyderabad
In Hyderabad, the main procession moved from Kadamgah Maula Ali to Karbala Dadan Shah. Other cities in Sindh also hosted mourning processions and majalis (religious gatherings).
Multan
Multan observed Ashura with 116 mourning processions, all culminating at the Haram Gate. Cities like Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Sialkot in Punjab also commemorated the martyrs of Karbala.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, processions were held in Parachinar, Kohat, Mardan, Hangu, DI Khan, Mansehra, and other areas.
Balochistan
The atmosphere in Balochistan resonated with the remembrance of Hussain, with mourning processions in Khuzdar, Sahabpur, Hub, Sibi, Jhal Magsi, Jafarabad, and Naseerabad.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir
In Gilgit, the main procession commenced from Imamia Jamia Masjid. Mirpur and Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir also saw processions paying homage to the martyrs of Karbala.
The unified display of reverence across Pakistan highlighted the deep respect and solemnity with which Ashura is observed, bringing together millions in a collective act of mourning and remembrance.
PM praises security forces
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif appreciated Pakistan Army, local administrations, police force and law enforcement agencies for making excellent security arrangements which ensured peaceful observance of Youm-e-Ashur in the country.
The prime minister said that with the grace of Allah Almighty, the situation throughout the country remained peaceful on Youm-e-Ashur. “All the processions and Majalis were held with religious devotion,” PM Office Media Wing, in a press release, quoted the prime minister as saying.
He said that the authorities and officials belonging to administration, police force, law enforcement agencies and the armed forces were present in the field and also expressed gratitude to them for ensuring law and order on the day.
