Ashura observed nationwide under tight security, calls for unity and tolerance

MURREE/ KOHAT/ RAWALPINDI/ PESHAWAR/ ISLAMABAD:

More than 12,000 police officers and personnel were deployed across Rawalpindi and Islamabad as the Ashura processions got under way on Friday, with elaborate security measures including snipers on high-rises, drones, a customized CNIC scanning app and a complete suspension of mobile and internet services in Rawalpindi.

Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi central procession emerged from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain, Teli Mohalla, where more than 8,000 police officers and personnel were on duty. Of these, more than 5,500 were assigned to the central procession alone, with more than 1,200 traffic police officers also on duty. More than 1,000 volunteers helped with security.

All routes leading to the mourning processions were sealed and the city was monitored through more than 2,000 Safe City and other cameras and continuous surveillance from the Safe City and Central Control Room. Snipers were deployed on high-rise buildings and surveillance was also done through drones. Procession participants were only allowed access after body searches, during which female police officers carried out checks on women. Metal detectors and access gates were also in place.

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Rawalpindi Police developed a special identification and scanning app which can scan any person’s CNIC instantly. Security staff used the app at entryways and bus terminals and verified the identity of processors.

The Rawalpindi administration imposed a ban on horse riding, while mobile phone and internet services remain completely suspended. It was forbidden to stand on rooftops and at windows along procession routes, just as it was forbidden to keep stones or bricks on the roofs or to bring matches, cigarettes, lighters or weapons into the processions.

Emergency was declared in hospitals with 350 closed-circuit cameras installed and a control room established where Governor Saleem Haider, the Commissioner, RPO, CPO and the Deputy Commissioner paid a visit.

“Full implementation of the code of conduct and SOPs issued by the Punjab government will be ensured,” the CPO said.

The first procession emerged from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Teli Mohalla, the second from Imambargah Colonel Maqbool, the third from Imambargah Hifazat Ali Shah, the fourth from Imambargah Shohda-e-Karbala in Tire Bazaar, the fifth from Imambargah Badah Shah and Chira Dargh Shah, the fifth from Imambargah Bad Shah. Baltistan. All processions were to meet at Purana Qila Urdu Bazaar Chowk where the participants offer Zuhr and Asr prayers at Fawara Chowk while Maghrib and Isha prayers are to be offered at Jamia Masjid Road.

Read more: 9th Muharram processions conclude across the country amid tight security

The main procession will pass through its designated routes and finish late at night. At the request of the administration, police will receive assistance from Rangers, while Pakistan Army troops will remain on call.

Murree

In Murree, the central Ashura procession was to appear on Mall Road, which has been completely closed to all traffic and the route cleared, said DPO Dr. Muhammad Raza Tanveer. Tourists entering Murree must have a confirmed hotel reservation, while locals will be allowed entry only on presentation of their CNIC. Movement at all places in Murree except Mall Road will remain unrestricted, with additional police personnel deployed on alternate routes to keep traffic flowing. The DPO urged people to download the “Safe Tourism Murree” app for real-time traffic and safety updates.

Islamabad

In Islamabad, more than 4,000 police officers and personnel were deployed across Imambargahs, procession routes, religious congregations and mosques for Friday prayers. Inspector General (IG) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi personally supervised all Ashura security arrangements where DIG Safe City/Traffic Haroon Joiya, DIG Muhammad Jawad Tariq, DIG Security Rana Umar Farooq and other senior officers conducted field visits to Imambargahs and procession routes.

IG Rizvi stated, “All officers and personnel should perform their duties during Muharram with complete honesty, dedication and a spirit of service,” affirming that the Islamabad Police “remains committed to ensuring the safety of mourners and maintaining law and order on Ashura.”

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According to the Islamabad Police, the procession “will start from Imambargah Musa Kazim and proceed through Khayaban-e-Sir Syed before concluding back at Imambargah Musa Kazim.”

Because of this, the police noted that traffic will be diverted from various roads and announced alternative routes. “Citizens are requested to use alternative routes during the procession,” police said, adding that those participating in the procession “should park their vehicles and motorcycles in the designated parking areas.”

Meanwhile, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, in a message on the occasion of Ashura, termed the day an “eternal symbol of truth, justice, patience, sacrifice and standing firm against oppression.” He added: “The tragedy of Karbala highlights the clear distinction between truth and falsehood in every era.”

The chairman said that Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions made great sacrifices in Karbala “to protect the religion of Islam, human dignity and the principles of justice and fairness”, that the occasion “conveys the message of promoting unity, tolerance, brotherhood and national solidarity.” He urged the nation to adopt in its character and collective conduct the noble values ​​for which the Ahl-e-Bait (RA) offered eternal sacrifices.

Peshawar

More than 10,000 security personnel were deployed in Peshawar as 12 Ashura processions got under way across the city, said Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Dr. Mian Saeed.

He added that the inner city was completely sealed off, with surveillance carried out through drones, Safe City cameras and 171 CCTV cameras. An anti-drone system was also installed, while three command posts were established and police checkpoints set up at the city’s entry points.

The CCPO noted that the Pakistan Army and other security agencies were working with the KP Police to ensure law and order amid the processions. “We hope Ashura will pass peacefully through the country today,” he said.

Mobile phone services are partially suspended in the inner city. CCPO Peshawar Dr. Mian Saeed is personally overseeing the security arrangements.

The first procession emerged from Syed Ali Shah Rizvi Imambargah and passed through its traditional routes before ending at Agha Mustafa Shah Imambargah. A total of 12 Alam and Zuljanah processions emerge from Imambargahs across the city.

Mourners continue as they perform chest beating and self-flagellation with chains. Rescue 1122 has deployed special medical teams, and water and refreshment stalls have been set up at various places along the routes. Bomb Disposal Squad personnel are also present. WSSP staff also perform their duties.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi said in a special message on the occasion that “Karbala is not just an event but the title of eternal victory of mankind in the battle between truth and falsehood.”

He said Imam Hussain’s (AS) sacrifice “shaked the halls of oppression and made the supremacy of truth eternal,” adding that “standing united against oppression, tyranny, fascism and injustice is the need of the hour.”

Further, CM Afridi said, “We must adopt the message of Karbala to strengthen Pakistan, promote national unity and uphold Islamic values.”

Meanwhile, provincial information minister Shafi Jan termed the tragedy of Karbala “an eternal saga of patience, steadfastness, selflessness, sacrifice and standing firm for the sake of truth, which will serve as a guiding torch for all mankind until the end of time.”

The minister paid tribute to Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions and stated that “their great sacrifice for the supremacy of truth and against falsehood, oppression and tyranny is an unparalleled chapter in the history of mankind.”

On the occasion, Jan emphasized “the need to promote national unity, harmony and brotherhood across sectors” and appealed to “respected scholars, elders and people of all schools to play their full role in promoting peace, tolerance and mutual respect so that an atmosphere of peace and security can be maintained in the province.”

Awami National Party (ANP) Central President Senator Aimal Wali Khan said in his message that the great sacrifices of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions remain “a shining symbol of resistance to tyranny.”

He noted that KP remains in the grip of terrorism, insecurity and bloodshed, with innocent citizens, security personnel, political workers, religious scholars and young people continuing to be targeted. He called for a “clear, serious and consistent strategy” to eliminate terrorism, saying all schools should play their part in promoting religious harmony, mutual respect, unity and tolerance.

“Lasting peace is established not through the gun, but through justice, the supremacy of the Constitution and the rights of the people,” he said.

Kohat

The Ashura mourning procession in Kohat emerged from Bannu Bazaar and passed through its traditional routes to reach Milad Chowk where it will converge with processions from Qaumi Imambargah and Syed Habib Imambargah.

More than 2,100 policemen have been deployed, procession routes have been sealed and mobile phone services have been suspended across the district.