In Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and several other cities, the central processions of 9th Muharram-ul-Haram are being held under the strictest security arrangements.
In some cities, mobile phone service has been suspended, and sensitive locations have been sealed.
Karachi Muharram Procession
In Karachi, the central procession of 9th Muharram will begin from Nishtar Park at 1 pm. Before that, a majlis will be held at Nishtar Park, where Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi will deliver a sermon.
After the majlis, Zohrain prayers will be offered by the Imamia Students Organization. The procession will follow its traditional route through Numaish, Saddar, Radio Pakistan, Jama Cloth, Denso Hall, and will conclude at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar. All security arrangements for this have been completed.
Lahore Procession
Meanwhile, in Punjab’s capital Lahore, the central 9th Muharram procession began at 10 am from Pandu Street. More than 147,000 officers and personnel have been deployed for security.
According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, a total of 1,689 mourning processions and 3,895 majalis are being held across the province today, with over 100,000 police personnel assigned for protection. In Lahore alone, 79 processions and 378 majalis are being secured by more than 10,000 officers.
Special instructions have been issued to Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit (PRU). All teams are in continuous contact with 1122, Fire Brigade, Rescue 15, and other emergency services. Special attention is being given to the safety of women and children.
Inspector General (IG) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar stated that security is on high alert across the province and Section 144 is being fully enforced. Strict implementation is being ensured regarding the designated routes and timings of processions and majalis, as well as the Loudspeaker Act.
Peshawar Procession
In Peshawar, due to security concerns, mobile phone services have been suspended on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. The city’s BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) service has also been suspended for two days.
The 9th Muharram procession began at 10 am from Hussainia Hall. Peshawar Cantonment and Saddar areas have been completely sealed, and commercial centers have been closed.
More than 10,000 police and security personnel have been deployed in Peshawar, while the entry of Afghan refugees into the city has also been banned for two days. Several major roads, including Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Khyber Bazaar, Circular Road, and GT Road, have been closed.
