KARACHI: Like other parts of the country, Youm-e-Ashura was observed in Karachi on Monday with due solemnity and sanctity to pay homepage to Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Holy Prophet (BPUH) and his companions who rendered great sacrifices on the soil of Karbala for the noble cause of justice.
The main alam procession was taken out from the Nishtar Park in the morning and peacefully culminated at the Hussainian Iranian Imambargah at Kharadar after going through its traditional routes just after the dusk, amid high security arrangement made by the government.
Earlier in the morning, the Central 10th Muharram Majlis was addressed by renowned scholar Allama Shahenshah Naqvi who highlighted several issues being faced by Shia Muslim community in the country that includes 'forced' disappearances, placing 'notables' and 'non-controversial' people in Schedule-IV, imposing restrictions to hold Majalis in parts of KPK and Punjab, targeted killings, separate column for Shia candidates in job application forms, no or very less representation of Shia community in different departments including the Federal Shariat Court, etc.
He requested the government and state institutions to help trace their whereabouts of missing youths as families are concerned for their loved ones and going through severe mental stress.
Naqvi urged the Federal Maritime Minister Syed Ali Zaidi, (who was also present at the Majlis) to take up these issues with the Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Over 6000 policemen, besides paramilitary rangers, and other law enforcement personnel were deployed on the jaloos route to maintain law and order.
With a few entry-points into the main Ashura procession route of M A Jinnah Road, the two-fold security checks - first by police, and second by scouts were organized to weld the security shields flawlessly.
Helicopters were continuously flying over the procession route and around to conduct aerial surveillance throughout the day and aided the ground-security personnel kept a vigilant eye to avert any terror attack.
The government had already sealed off sub-roads and streets leading to the procession route three days before the final Muharram ceremony on M A Jinnah Road to scale down the chances of suicide-bombers entry, as the city witnessed several bomb blasts and attacks targeting Majalis and Jaloos, in the past.
The participants offered Namaz-e-Zohrain in congregation at Tibet Center, amid soaring temperature. Religious scholars shed light on various aspects of Karbala, urging Muslims to follow the path of Imam Hussain for the restoration of the glory of Islam, and ensuring core human values and justice in the society.
They said the Karbala is the battle between forces of truth and evil, right and wrong and justice and oppression. It's the glaring example of unshakeable faith, bravery, determination, courage, and passions.
They said Imam Hussain and his loyal family rendered their precious lives for the revival of lost and forsaken Islam.
Watertight security arrangements were made near Nishtar Park wherefrom the main processions continued to appear for the last three days.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020