Like other parts of the country, the Muslims observed Ashura procession in the city to commemorate the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (AS) and his loyal companions in Karbala. Various small and large Alam processions that were taken out from Nishtar Park and Numaish roundabout on Wednesday morning culminated at Hussainian Iranian Imambargah at Kharadar after passing through the traditional routes such as Mehfil-e-Shah-e-Khurasan, M.A.Jinnah Road, Preedy Street, Boulton Market, Bombay Bazar, Kharadar, Nawab Muhammad Khanji Road and reached its destination on the same day evening.
Law enforcement agencies were put on high alert and large contingents of police and Rangers were deployed. Some 25,674 security personnel, including 22381 policemen, 389 lady police, and 2778 Razakars were deployed on the procession routes to maintain law and order.
With mournful chants, tens of thousands of devotees including women and children largely clad in black performed the Muharram's final rituals all the way from morning to the evening. Black flags and banners inscribed with religious scriptures in hands amid loud sorrowful poems and slogans being played at roadside stalls, the mourners continued beating their chests and a few of them flying their backs with sharp chained-knives.
A number of roadside camps were set up to provide basic facilities including water and medical assistance to the participants of procession. Several reception stalls were completely packed with sand filled sacks to shield the organisers from any outside bomb attack or gunfire at Numaish round about.
Helicopters were continuously flying over the procession route and around to conduct aerial surveillance throughout the day and aided the ground-security personnel. Earlier devotees gathered in around Nishtar Park to attend the central Majlis which was addressed by renowned scholar Allama Talib Johari. Later, they marched toward their destination - Hussainian lrañian Imambargah. The devotees offered Namaz-e-Zohrain at Tibbet Centre. The arrangements were made by the Imamia Students' Organisation (ISO) as usual.
The police blocked roads proceeding towards the route of the procession from Guru Mandir (Roundabout). However, alternate traffic arrangements were made for the convenience of vehicles approaching the route of procession. Entry of vehicles and pedestrians to all roads and lanes connecting the route of the procession were completely sealed by placing containers. Earlier, the Bomb disposal squad also carried out sweeping of the route of main procession. All encroachments had already been removed from entire route and all shops and markets were sealed. "The plan was so successful to finish the Muharram procession peacefully in time without any hustle and bustle," said a participant.