Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram, is being observed amid strict security arrangements with solemnity and religious sanctity across the country and Azad Kashmir on Friday (today) to pay tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions who laid down their lives for the cause of truth, justice and righteousness.
Every year, the day is observed to commemorate the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions at Karbala to uphold the banner of truth. To mark the day, Tazia, Alam and Zuljinah processions are to be taken out in all cities and towns across the country amid stringent security cover. The law enforcing agencies have been put on high alert to deal with any eventuality. The Federal and Provincial Governments have taken tight security measures to maintain law and order. The law enforcing agencies have been put on high alert to deal with any eventuality. The government has banned pillion riding besides jamming mobile phone services to foil nefarious designs of the anti-state elements and terrorists.
The 9th Muharram processions were taken out across the country, amid stringent security measures. These processions culminated at the designated places after passing through its designated routes. Majalis-e-Aza, Nohas narrating the episodes of Karbala and atrocities inflicted on the martyrs are also being organised throughout Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. The processions will be marching on their traditional routes throughout the day and terminate at Imambargahs in the evening where sessions of Sham-e-Ghariban will be held.
The government has already declared January 14 and 15 (9th and 10th) Muharram as holidays and all government offices commercial centres were closed. Newspapers will bring out special supplements while TV channels will present special programmes on the day.
Punjab government has also imposed ban on pillion riding on 9th and 10th of Muharram-ul-Haraam. As many as 13 districts including Bhakkar, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Muzaffargarh, Lahore, Multan, DG Khan, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Rahimyar Khan and Pakpattan are declared sensitive with regard to law-and-order situation. There are 2,749 imambargahs in the province.
Haleem, a word derived from 'Daleem' is cooked between the night of 9th and 10th Muharram on a large scale. There are several references that relate the dish with the incident of Karbala. Among these sayings, most common is that while facing the worst sanctions by the opposing troops, Imam Hussain (AS)'s companions collected all the grains and meat available with them and cooked it in a pan. The dish was named Daleem, which later became famous as Haleem in the subcontinent.
Political leaders, including PML-Q leaders, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussein and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi in their messages on Ashura, said the incident of Karbala proved to the world that it is the truth which holds sway in fight against the evil forces. They said the power of faith is so strong that it can bring down any adversary. They called for following the path of truth and righteousness to tackle the present day challenges.