Tight security measures were taken by the authorities for the processions of 9th Muharram in different areas of the twin cities. Following a suicide attacked on Imambargah in Bolan district of Balochistan which left 12 people dead and nearly two dozens wounded, the local administration took measures to provide foolproof security to the mourners, which include banning the entry of vehicles and motorbikes within one kilometres area of the he procession.
According to officials, tight security arrangements are in place for the processions and the majalis. Further, cellular services in several cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and other major cities and towns were suspended. The Interior Ministry directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend cellular services in 68 districts across the country, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Gilgit-Baltistan.
In addition to the suspension of cellular services, a ban has also been imposed on pillion riding of motorbikes in several metropolitan cities in the country. Ninth Muharram was observed today (Friday) with solemnity to pay homage to Imam Husain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala amid strict security to protect mourners against any terrorist attack.
The holy month of Muharram commemorates the death of Imam Hussain (R.A), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and other martyrs in the Battle of Karbala in modern-day Iraq in the year 680. Members of Shia community dressed in black mark the day with mourning rituals and passion plays re-enacting the martyrdom. The federal government has announced two public holidays on account of Ashura on October 23 and 24. As many as 17 processions of 9th Muharram ul Haram in memory of sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S) were held on Friday in different parts of the federal capital.
About 10,000 personnel of Islamabad Police and Rangers were providing security to procession and religious gatherings in the city. All departments including DMA, rescue 1122, hospitals and civil defence department had been alerted to tackle any issue. Security cameras, walkthrough gates and metal detector would be used on entry and exit points of processions and gatherings to avoid any untoward incident.
Likewise, Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) had deployed 450 personnel including an SP, four DSPs and 14 inspectors to regulate the traffic during processions. Alternate roads would be specified for smooth traffic flow and ITP cops would guide the citizens about these roads. The parking of vehicles had been strictly banned in way of processions. The main procession would start from G-6/2 at 1:30 pm and conclude at 6:30 pm at the same place after passing through the defined route.
During the procession, Kulsoom Plaza Fazl e Haq Road, Post Office Chowk, 7th Avenue loop, 7th Avenue G-7/4, G-6/2 Chowk Iqbal Hall, Lal Masjid Chowk, GPO Chowk, street No: 14 sector G-6/2 would be closed for general traffic and citizens should use alternate roads. The second big procession of the 9th Muharram ul Haram would start from Imam Bargah Imam Moosa Kazim in sector I-10 at 12am and conclude at 5 am after passing through the defined route.