Y0um-e-Ashur is being observed with due solemnity and sanctity to pay homage to the supreme sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S), his family and companions in Karbala.
Alam, Zuljinah and Taazia processions are being taken out in all small and big towns of the country. Ulema and Zakireen will highlight the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain and various aspects of the battle of Karbla (Iraq) fought against a tyrant ruler.
Strict security measures have been made along the routes of processions to avoid any untoward incident.
Karachi
In Karachi, the main Youm-e-Ashur mourning procession of Alam, Tazia and Zuljinnah will be taken out from Nishtar Park and will conclude at Hussainia Iranian in Kharadar, after passing through its traditional routes.
All link roads connecting to city’s main M.A Jinnah Road have been sealed with containers, with snipers deployed on roof tops along procession routes that were checked by Bomb Disposal Unit through sniffer dogs and detectors.
The volunteers of various social welfare organisations put up medical camps and Sabeels to facilitate the participants of the procession. Ambulance services and first aid camps were also set up by various organisations to facilitate the mourners.
Imposing five-day ban on motorbike pillion-riding in Sindh, the government has deployed thousands of personnel of police and Rangers in Karachi, with army deployment in sensitive areas.
Law enforcing agencies have been put on high alert to deal with any eventuality.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have also been installed to closely monitor activities on the procession routes. Command and Control Centers have been established in different cities for monitoring.
Islamabad/Rawalpindi
The main procession of Ashura in Islamabad will be taken out from Imambargah Asna-e-Ashri in Sector G-6. The procession will pass through its traditional route and culminate after Maghrib prayers.
According to the spokesman of Islamabad police, strict security arrangements were made for various processions in the areas of Sabzi Mandi, Aabpara, Shalimar, Golra (Shah Allah Dita), Tarnol, Sihala and Secretariat.
Islamabad police including Rangers and personnel of other law enforcement agencies performed patrolling and security duties and all processions were completely cordoned off through heavy deployment.
In Rawalpindi, the main mourning procession will be taken out from Imambargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain which terminated at Imambargah Qadeemi.
Lahore
In Lahore, the main procession was taken out from the Nisar Havali and terminated at Karbala Gamay Shah after passing through its traditional routes.
Thousands of people, including children and women, will take part in the processions.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In Peshawar, scores of Tazyiya, Alam and Zuljinah processions will be taken out from the Imambargh Syed Alam Shah in Koocha Bazaar, which, after passing through Qissa Khwani and other traditional routes, will end at the same venue.
The mourning processions in Hangu, Kohat, DI Khan, Manshera, Lakki Marwat, Tank and other districts will also be taken out on their traditional routes amid strict security.
Azad Kashmir
Similarly, in Muzaffarabad, main Taazia, Alam and Zuljinah processions will be taken out from Markazi Imambargah Pir Ilam Shah Bukhari and terminate at the same place after passing through their traditional routes.
Processions will also be taken out in Mirpur, Haveili, Hattiyan, Kotli, Bhimbher, Bagh, Sudahnoti, Rawalakot and Neelam valley of Azad Kashmir.
Balochistan
The main procession in Balochistan will be was taken out from Quetta’s Alamdar Road. After passing through its traditional route, it will end at its starting point.
Gilgit
In Gilgit, the main procession will be taken out from Markazi Imamia Masjid which will terminate at same place after passing through main bazaar. (PhotoNews /Agencies)