Main Ashura processions have started in the provincial capital amid strict security measures to commemorate the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions at Karbala to uphold the teachings of Qur'an and Sunnah. Youm-e-Ashur,' the 10th day of Muharram will be observed throughout the country and Azad Kashmir tomorrow (Tuesday)
Meanwhile, Zuljinnah and 'alam' processions were taken out inside walled city, Bazar Sathan, Koocha Phala Nanak, Islam Ghali, Gawalmandi, Islam Ghali, Tahsil Bazar, Baroodkhana, Delhi Gate and dozens of other places on eight of Moharram (Sunday) where rangers and security personnel were deployed along all the routes of the Zuljinnah processions and venues of Majaalis.
People had put up 'sabeels' on the traditional routes of the processions, which were accompanied by volunteers of Red Crescent and private ambulances to deal with any eventuality. All encroachments on the Zuljinnah routes have been removed and no one is being allowed to join the processions without body search. Haleem and naans were distributed among the participants of processions and 'majaalis' (religious meetings).
Pillion ridding (double sawari) has been banned in Lahore on 9th and 10th Muharram (Monday and Tuesday) because of security concerns. Strict security measures have been taken by Punjab Police on the exit and entry points of Lahore. According to official sources, 12,000 policemen, besides contingents of Rangers have been deployed in the city to maintain law and order and foil any attempt of terrorism. The provincial government has advised ulema, Khatibs and religious scholars to maintain religious harmony and avoid incendiary and controversial speeches.
The government has declared public holidays on 9th and 10th of Moharram (Monday and Tuesday) to observe the 9th and 10th of Moharram with reverence. Newspapers will bring out special supplements while radio and TV channels will present special programmes to highlight importance of the day. Public and private sector TV channels and other media have already scaled down entertainment content of their programmes since 1st of Moharram and replaced with religious programmes.
Sources told Business Recorder that Punjab government has made foolproof security arrangements. Crisis centres and control rooms are working round the clock while the Zuljinnah processions and majalis are monitored from their start to end in order to cope with any emergency situation. Further, Rescue 1122 and hospitals have been put on high alert. The administrations of various city hospitals have made special arrangements to deal with any emergency during Ashura. Mobile medical units and ambulances would provide first aid during the processions.
In Lahore, the main procession will terminate at Karbala Gamey Shah after passing through its traditional routes tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. The processions to be taken out from various localities of the metropolis would join the main procession. The main procession of 9th Muharram (today) will be taken out from Imambargah Islampura, where the participants will pay tribute to Shohda-e-Karbala.