9th Muharram processions are being held across Pakistan today, with authorities enforcing strict security measures to ensure peaceful mourning events.
Security has been strengthened along procession routes, while sabeels have been set up in cities across the country. Mourning processions are taking place in major cities, including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur and Hangu.
In Lahore, the central Zuljanah procession began from Islampura, while another major procession started from Pando Street and will conclude at Khaima-e-Sadaat.
According to the Punjab Police, 1,697 mourning processions and 3,869 majalis are being held across the province on the ninth of Muharram. Among them, 208 processions and 337 majalis have been classified as A-category events.
Punjab Inspector General of Police said more than 70,000 officers and personnel have been deployed across the province to maintain law and order.
“We will ensure the peaceful observance of 9th Muharram with the cooperation of community leaders, administration and security institutions,” the IG Punjab said.
Authorities are using CCTV cameras, walk-through gates, metal detectors and other modern equipment for security checks. Snipers and plain-clothes commandos have also been deployed along procession routes.
The police chief said support was being provided by provincial ministers, religious scholars, the armed forces, Rangers and other security agencies. Double riding remains banned across the province, except for senior citizens, women and law enforcement personnel.
In Karachi, the central majlis is scheduled at Nishtar Park, where Allama Shehenshah Hussain Naqvi will address mourners. The central procession will later follow its traditional route before concluding at Hussainia Iranian in Kharadar.
More than 5,000 police personnel, along with Rangers, have been deployed in Karachi. Authorities have sealed roads, markets and streets connected to the procession route with containers, while mobile phone services have been suspended around Nishtar Park. M.A. Jinnah Road has also been closed to traffic.
In Sukkur, the historic 500-year-old Nau Dhala Tazia procession emerged from Imambargah Shah Iraq and will reach Karbala Ground later in the day. In nearby Rohri, another centuries-old Nau Dhala Tazia procession has reached Mandu Khabar.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the 9th Muharram procession in Hangu moved from Mohalla Syedan Ghari Bazaar to the central Imambargah on Shahu Road under strict security arrangements.
In Balochistan, authorities have deployed more than 32,000 security personnel for Muharram processions and gatherings across the province.
In Islamabad, a procession is being taken out from Imambargah Isna Ashari G-6 as part of the 9th Muharram observances.
Authorities across Pakistan have expressed confidence that extensive security measures will help ensure the peaceful conduct of 9th Muharram processions nationwide.