Despite threats of terrorists' attack, thousands of mourners on Monday attended the 9th Muharram-ul-Haram procession to pay homage to the great sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions. The main Muharram procession was taken out from central Imambargah Asna-e-Ashri located at sector G-6/2, amid stringent security.
The people of twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi took part in the Majlis and procession to commemorate the unmatched sacrifices rendered by the martyr of Karbala led by Imam Hussain (RA). Small processions started gathering at the Markazi Imambargah in the morning from adjacent areas including Nurpur Shahan, Shahzad Town, Tarlai and Shahlallah Ditta. Sermon was delivered by the religious scholars to remind of the great sacrifice of the Iman-e-Ahle Muqam 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 starting place. The mourners were taking big Alams in their hands and paid tributes to the Imam in high-pitched voice. Zanjeer Zani (chest and back beating with chain) was held in the procession while Alams and Zuljannah accompanied the procession. The central procession in the city and all other small processions culminated peacefully at their laid down destinations (Markazi Imambargha).
In the wake of terror threats, the law enforcement agencies have made stringent security arrangements in and around the Markazi Imambargah and on the set routes of the morning procession and across the city. Over 5000 security personnel of Islamabad police and ranger were deployed on the routes on the occasion. The Personnel of the FC also assisted police while Pakistan army remained on standby to meet any emergency situation or act of terrorism.
To ensure foolproof security, all Majalis and procession participants were checked and body search was conducted at four different points by scouts and police, while walkthrough gates were also installed on the route along with entrance and exit points of the processions.
The city police 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, Fazl-e-Haq Road, Hakeem Luqman Road, Poly Clinic Chowk, Kulsoom Plaza Chowk and other roads were closed for traffic. Contingents of Rangers performed duties around the routes of processions while cops were deployed on rooftops of buildings along procession routes. Aerial surveillance of routes of procession was also conducted by a team led by senior city police officials of police. Bomb disposal squads and ambulances of different hospitals remained with the processions.
Ambulances and fire tenders were also deployed near the main procession and other parts of the city for swift reaction in minimum time. The main hospitals of the city including Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic hospital were put on the high alert. The city administration and members of the Imamia Students Organisation arranged a free medical camp aimed at providing free medical assistance to the mourners in case of any emergency. Senior officials of district administration and police supervised the security arrangements and visited sensitive areas from time to time.