Ashura, the 10th of Muharram is being observed today (Tuesday) with solemnity, to pay homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain and other martyrs of Karbala amid stringent security cover. Mourning, Alam, Zuljinah and Taazia processions will be taken out in all big and small cities across the country amid tight security arrangements. The mourners will be allowed to join the Ashura processions only after body search by security personnel and volunteers and crossing walk through gates.
Ashura processions will be monitored through Command and Control centers in big cities including Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras were installed to make the security foolproof. Majalis-e-Sham-e-Ghariban will be held on Tuesday evening, to pay homage to the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in Karbala.
Authorities will suspend cellular phone services in parts of country as part of security measures for Muharram processions and Majalis. The cellular service will be suspended in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Dera Ismail Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan and other parts. Newspapers will bring out special supplements while Radio and TV channels will present special programmes highlighting the sacrifice of Hazrat Iman Hussain (RA) and his companions in Karbla.
In Lahore, Pakistan Rangers were also deployed to keep the city peaceful. Lahore Metro Bus service will remain suspended today. The Punjab Law Minister Raja Muhammad Basharat on Monday reviewed the security arrangements of main procession. He said no compromise or sluggishness would be tolerated over such arrangements as it was prime responsibility of the government to ensure protection to the lives and property of the citizens. He also visited the control room.
The Punjab CM Sardar Usman Buzdar in his message said that Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions of Karbala offered supreme sacrifices for the lofty principles of Islam. He said that the sacrifices of martyrs of Karbala were for the cause of righteousness and supremacy of Islam. He called upon the Muslims to foster unity and brotherhood in their ranks. He said that the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have made foolproof security for the mourning processions and Majalis as well Imambarghas and mosques.