Thousands of people on Thursday participated with full religious zeal in the main 9th Muharram procession taken out from central Imambargah Asna-e-Ashri located at sector G-6/2, despite serious threats from the banned militant religious groups.
Mourners of twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi took part in the Majlis and procession to commemorate the great sacrifice rendered by the martyr of Karbala. Early in the day, small processions started gathering at Markazi Imambargah in the morning from various parts of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Sermon was delivered to mourners by the religious scholars and rich tributes were paid to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
The religious scholars highlighted the significance of the day and shed light on the sacrifices rendered by Imam Hussain (RA) and his followers to uphold the sanctity of Islam. Later, big procession was taken out from the Markazi Imambargah that passed through its traditional routes and culminated at the same Imambargh. The processions reached the destination in the evening. The mourners were taking big Alams in their hands and lamented in high-pitched voice.
Mourners recited Nohas, Marsias and Salams in honour of Imam Hussain and his companions who rendered unprecedented sacrifices in Karbala for truth and spreading the message of Islam. Many of the mourners were barefooted. Markazi Zanjeer Zani (chest and back beating with chain) was held in the procession while Alams and Zuljannah accompanied the procession. The procession culminated peacefully.
Comprehensive security measures were taken by the capital police in and around the Markazi Imambargah, G-6/2, as well as on the set route of the mourning procession. The persons entering the security circles of Markazi Imambargah were checked and body-searched at four different stages by the scouts of Imambargah and police. Over 3,000 security personnel of Islamabad were deployed on the occasion. Ranger also assisted police on the occasion and Pakistan army remained standby to meet any emergency. The capital police have installed walk-through gates at three levels to check the individuals entering the procession. The capital police, a large number of volunteers belonging to the peace committee and scouts have strictly checked the mourners before entering to the venue.
The law enforcement agencies have blocked all roads and streets leading to the main Imambargha, the route of the main procession, and roads were closed for traffic. During the procession, Fazle Haq Road, Luqman Hakeem Road, Poly Clinic Chowk, Kulsoom Plaza Chowk, Iqbal Hall Bridge, Lal Masjid Chowk, 7th Avenue, Saddar Road and Melody Chowk were closed.
Law enforcement officials were guarding the procession routes, standing on the rooftops of different buildings. Aerial surveillance was conducted by a team led by senior officials of police and two helicopters kept flying on the Markazi Imambargah and routes of mourning procession. The district administration has put on high alert all hospitals in the city. Ambulances and firefighting vehicles were also deployed on the main route. The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has also made special arrangements to ensure security.
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