Zubair Qureshi
More than 18 religious processions were taken out on 9th Muharram-ul-Haram (Wednesday) from different parts of the city in memory of the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), his family and companions.
The main procession started from Markazi Imambargah Sector G-6/2 and culminated at the same place after passing through its pre-approved route that included Luqman Hakeem Road, G-6 Service Road, Saddar Road, Streets 33 and 40 in G-6/1, Municipal Road, Melody Chowk, Shuhada Chowk, Aabpara Police Station and Polyclinic and Luqman Hakeem Road.
Thousands of mourners and devotees participated in the processions in memory of the supreme sacrifice made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his family for Islam.
Police had beefed up security cordoning off the entire route of the procession. Sector G-6 was in complete lockdown with major roads blocked with containers and many streets cut off with concrete blocks and barbed wire Maghrib prayers were offered by the devotees and then procession headed towards Melody chowk and culminated at Markazi Imambargah.
During the processions, the mourners recited ‘noohas and mirsiyas’. The second big procession of the 9th Muharram-ul-Haram started from Imambargah Imam Moosa Kazim in sector I-10 and passed through the defined route.
As many as 14,000 personnel of Islamabad Police and Rangers provided security to processions and religious gatherings in the city. Capital Development Authority (CDA), Rescue 1122, hospitals and civil defence department remained alert to face any untoward situation.
Security cameras, walk through gates and metal detectors were used on entry and exit points of processions and gatherings to protect the processions.
Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) had devised a traffic plan for processions in the Federal capital to ensure smooth flow of traffic on roads.
Over 2,200 police officers were deputed during the procession assisted by troops of the Pakistan Rangers.
Mobile jammers and armoured personnel carriers remained present in order to assist law enforcers throughout the procession.
The procession route was cordoned off with tents and the participants were allowed to enter the processions after complete checking.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Syed Mustafa Tanweer and other senior police and ICT officers visited the site to review the on-ground security situation.
Earlier, IGP Islamabad Qazi Jamilur Rehman also inspected the Muharram procession routes and in the federal capital and directed the entire police force to remain alert and vigilant.
Besides, 600 officials in civilian clothes were also deployed on the occasion. All roads leading to the site of the procession were blocked but ITP made special arrangements to divert traffic to alternative routes.
The processions ended successfully and SSP Islamabad appreciated the performance of his force which ensured extra-ordinary security measures on the day for the peaceful conclusion of the processions.
He said close liaison was maintained with peace committees and organizers of Majalis and processions. Cooperation of organizers was ensured with the police and law enforcing officials.
During the last nine days, he said hundreds of religious gatherings (Majalis) and processions were held in the city and strict security arrangements on these occasions and special checking of participants was ensured.
Traffic on the capital’s roads remained thin during the day with public transport staying off the roads.
Major markets and shopping centres were also closed for the day while pillion riding ban had also been in effect and strictly implemented in the city.
