Major processions were held in urban centres, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta.
Thousands of mourners across the country participated in peaceful 9th Muharram processions on Thursday to commemorate the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted companions in Karbala.
Authorities implemented strict security measures along the procession routes, while sabeels were established in various cities to provide water and refreshments to participants.
Processions were held in major urban centres across the country, including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, and Hangu.
Punjab
In Lahore, the central Zuljanah procession of 9th Muharram started from Islampura, while another major procession originated from Pando Street and concluded at Khaima-e-Sadaat.
A Punjab Police spokesperson said that 1,697 mourning processions and 3,869 majalis were held across the province on the day.
Punjab Inspector General of Police stated that more than 70,000 officers and personnel were deployed for security duties throughout the province.
He said, “We will ensure the peaceful observance of 9th Muharram with the cooperation of community leaders, administration, and security institutions.”
He added that security was monitored through CCTV cameras, walk-through gates, metal detectors, and other modern equipment. Snipers were deployed along procession routes, while plain-clothes commandos also accompanied processions.
According to the IG, support was provided by provincial ministers, religious scholars, armed forces, Rangers, and other security agencies. He further noted that double riding remained banned, with exemptions for senior citizens, women, and law enforcement personnel.
Sindh
In Karachi, the main 9th Muharram procession began from Nishtar Park around 1pm and followed its traditional route before concluding at Hussainia Iranian in Kharadar in the evening.
Mourners offered Zuhrain prayers outside Imambargah Ali Raza on M.A. Jinnah Road.
Karachi Police said strict security arrangements were in place, with more than 5,000 personnel deployed. Rangers were also assigned security duties.
Authorities blocked surrounding streets, markets, and roads with containers, while mobile phone services were suspended in and around Nishtar Park. M.A. Jinnah Road was closed to traffic ahead of the procession.
Separately, the historic 500-year-old Nau Dhala Tazia procession in Rohri reached Karbala Ground.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Balochistan
In Hangu, the 9th Muharram procession started from Mohalla Syedan Ghari Bazaar and reached the central Imambargah on Shahu Road via its designated route. Authorities said strict security arrangements were in place.
In Balochistan, police sources confirmed stringent security measures across Muharram gatherings, with more than 32,000 security personnel deployed across the province.
Islamabad
In the federal capital, a 9th Muharram procession was taken out from Imambargah Isna Ashari G-6 and concluded after following its traditional route.
