Countrywide 9th Muharram processions on roads under strict security

The mourning processions being held in the memory of the martyrs of Karbala as the law enforcement agencies on high alert and large contingents of police and other agencies deployed for security of the mourners.

The government has declared a public holiday on Friday (today) and Saturday on account of Ashura.

A large contingent of police and Rangers personnel protecting the Muharram procession in Karachi as police mobiles equipped with cameras have been on patrol.

The central procession of mourners in Karachi will emerge from Nishtar Park and will conclude at Hussainian Iranian in Kharadar in the evening after marching on its traditional route.

Several other processions will emerge from scores of localities of the city to join the central procession.

In Lahore the main procession has emerged from Azakhana Pando Street and marching on its approved route under stringent security.

In Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar central mourning procession emerged from Imambargah Hussainia Hall in Saddar under strict security measures.

Police has been on alert in vehicles with modern equipments to meet any emergency situation apart of the aerial surveillance of the procession.

In capital city of Islamabad the main mourning procession of Muharram will be taken out from Sector G-6 to march on its route and culminate at the central Imambargah in Sector G-6.

In Rawalpindi, metro bus service will be suspended from 12:00 noon today till Youm-e-Ashur on Saturday (tomorrow).

In Punjab, 12 districts — Lahore, Rawalpindi, Jhang, Rahimyar Khan, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Bhakkar, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalnagar, Chakwal and Pakpattan — have been declared “most sensitive” in Muharram.

Police contingents have been on the roads of historic city of Multan in south Punjab to ensure the law and order in the city during Muharram processions.

Drone cameras will be deployed to monitor the progress of processions in Multan, and around 110 CCTV cameras have also been installed in Peshawar to keep an eye on processions.

Curfew imposed in Bannu

Meanwhile, authorities imposed curfew in Bannu for two days. The decision was made in view of looming security threats in the district that has witnessed several incidents of violence involving banned outfits.

Mobile phone services will be suspended across Punjab and Sindh on 10th Muharram from morning to night.

In Punjab, the mobile networks will be suspended from 8am to 8pm.

The decision in this regard was taken during a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday.

Pillion riding ban has already been imposed in the province as part of a security measure during Ashura procession.

Sindh government has decided to suspend the cellular services on Saturday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm in eight districts of the province including Karachi.