Ninth Muharram mourning processions and majalis have been arranged across Pakistan on Thursday amid elaborate security arrangements.
Security personnel have been deployed along procession routes, while sabeels have been set up in different areas to facilitate participants. Mourning gatherings and processions are being held in key cities, including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur and Hangu.
In Lahore, the main Zuljanah procession began from Islampura, while another significant procession started from Pando Street and is scheduled to conclude at Khaima-e-Sadaat.
As many as 1,697 processions and 3,869 majalis are being organised across the province on 9th Muharram. Among these, authorities are closely monitoring 208 high-security processions and 337 sensitive majalis categorised under A-grade security.
Punjab Inspector General of Police said over 70,000 police officers and personnel have been assigned security duties throughout the province to ensure peaceful observance.
He said law enforcement agencies, local administration, community representatives and religious leaders were working together to maintain peace during Muharram events. He added that surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras, walk-through gates, metal detectors and other advanced security equipment, were being used for monitoring.
Snipers have been positioned at sensitive points along procession routes, while plain-clothes commandos are accompanying processions as part of enhanced security measures.
According to the IG Punjab, provincial ministers, religious scholars, armed forces, Rangers and other security institutions are also assisting in maintaining law and order. He further said a ban on double riding remains in place, except for women, senior citizens and law enforcement officials.
In Karachi, the main 9th Muharram procession began from Nishtar Park and will follow its traditional route before concluding at Hussainia Iranian in Kharadar later in the evening.
Participants offered Zuhrain prayers near Imambargah Ali Raza on M.A. Jinnah Road during the procession.
Karachi Police said comprehensive security arrangements have been finalised, with more than 5,000 police personnel deployed alongside Rangers for security duties.
Authorities have blocked roads, markets, streets and shops connected to the procession route using containers as part of precautionary measures.
Mobile phone services have also been suspended in areas surrounding Nishtar Park, while police and Rangers remain stationed along the route. M.A. Jinnah Road has been closed to regular traffic ahead of the procession.
Meanwhile, in Islamabad, a 9th Muharram procession was taken out from Imambargah Isna Ashari in G-6 as part of Ashura observances in the federal capital.
