ISLAMABAD/KARACHI/LAHORE: Millions of mourners across Pakistan observed 9th Muharram with religious devotion on Thursday as major processions concluded peacefully under stringent security arrangements, while four people lost their lives due to suffocation during a procession in Rohri, Sindh.
Authorities reported no major security breaches across the country, with law enforcement agencies deploying thousands of personnel, surveillance cameras, drones and mobile monitoring systems to ensure the safety of mourners.
In Rohri, four mourners died due to severe suffocation during the historic Nau Dhala procession, while 14 others sustained minor injuries.
In Karachi, the main 9th Muharram procession began from Nishtar Park after a central majlis addressed by Allama Shahanshah Hussain Naqvi. Thousands of mourners participated in the procession, which passed through its traditional route, including Empress Market, Regal Chowk and Tibet Centre, before concluding at Imambargah Hussainia Iranian in Kharadar. More than 5,000 police personnel were deployed to secure the route.
In Islamabad, the central procession started from the Markazi Isna Ashari Imambargah in G-6/2 after Zuhr prayers and concluded peacefully at the same venue late at night under a four-layer security plan supported by the “Mehfooz Muharram” mobile application.
Lahore witnessed 81 processions and 386 religious gatherings, with the city’s main procession from Pando Street concluding at Khaima-i-Sadaat Imambargah. The Punjab Safe Cities Authority monitored events through more than 5,600 CCTV cameras, body cameras and mobile surveillance units.
Across Punjab, over 70,000 security personnel were deployed, while Section 144 remained in force, banning pillion riding, the carrying of dangerous items and provocative slogans.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police deployed more than 43,000 personnel, supported by drone surveillance, rooftop snipers, bomb disposal teams and anti-drone squads. Public transport services, including Peshawar’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), remained suspended during the processions.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar conducted an aerial review of security arrangements and directed authorities to ensure complete clearance of procession routes before the arrival of mourners.
Preparations have also been finalised for Youm-e-Ashura, with Rawalpindi police deploying more than 8,000 officers, including over 5,500 personnel assigned to the central Ashura procession, while 2,000 Safe City cameras will monitor crowd movements.
In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the sacrifices made during the Battle of Karbala offered timeless lessons of faith, patience, justice and sacrifice. He urged religious scholars, the media and the public to promote unity, harmony and mutual respect while rejecting sectarianism and division.
