The 9th of Muharram processions are taking place across various cities in Pakistan, with extensive security measures in place to ensure the safety of participants.
Lahore
In Lahore, the main procession commenced from Pando Street in Islampura and will proceed to Khaima-e-Sadaat before returning to Pando Street. According to the police, a total of 79 mourning processions are taking place in the city on Tuesday.
The Lahore police have deployed over 11,000 personnel to secure the processions and have closed the procession route to general traffic.
Islamabad
In Islamabad, the main procession departed from the Imambargah Asna Ashri in G-6, following traditional routes to return to the same location. Authorities have implemented strict security measures, including blocking streets and roads leading to the procession route with containers and barbed wire.
The procession is being monitored by drones and Safe City cameras. The procession participants have been allowed to enter only through designated routes, while those participating in the procession are being checked by metal detectors. The police said there was a ban on flying drones above the route of the procession.
Mobile phone services have also been suspended in different areas to enhance security.
Speaking to the media outside the G-6 Imambargah, the Islamabad police chief explained that 2,137 personnel were performing duty inside the security cordon. Security personnel have also been deployed on adjacent roads, while three layers of security have been set up for Muharram procession.
He said this time the sectors were being supervised by deputy inspectors general. Houses and commercial buildings were thoroughly searched, while the Bomb Disposal Squad checked the procession routes.
The IGP said Army troops were on stand-by, while all emergency services were on high alert. Police personnel have been assigned special duties at sabeels and checking points, he explained.
He further said that the interior minister has personally visited the procession route and is also monitoring all the activities himself.
Rawalpindi
The main procession of the 9th of Muharram emerged from Imambargah Chittian Hattian. The procession will pass through Iqbal Road, Bird Market and end at Imambargah Col Maqbool. Around 2,900 personnel have been deployed for the security of the main procession, while its route is being monitored by closed circuit cameras.
Expert sniper shooters are also deployed on high-rise buildings along the route.
Karachi
In Karachi, the 9th Muharram procession started from Nishtar Park at noon. Security arrangements for the procession have been completed, with more than 4,200 police personnel, supported by Rangers, have been deployed for security. Sharpshooters are stationed on high-rise buildings, markets along the procession routes have been sealed, and 120 streets blocked with containers.
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A ban on pillion riding is in effect, and mobile phone services on the procession routes remain suspended. The procession will conclude at Hussainia Iranian.
Quetta
In Quetta, the 9th Muharram procession departed from Imambargah Nasirulaza at 2pm, following traditional routes to return to the same location. Foolproof security arrangements have been implemented, and mobile phone services in the city have been suspended to prevent any untoward incidents.
Bahawalpur
In Bahawalpur, 30 processions and 77 majalis have been planned for the 9th of Muharram. Tight security arrangements have been made with the district deploying more than 3,200 security personnel and engaging over 1,600 volunteers for the security.
The Dolphin Squad, Eagle Squad, Elite Force, and Special Branch are also on duty. Barbed wire and walk-through gates have been installed at the procession entrances, and CCTV cameras have been placed on designated routes to monitor the activities.
Dera Ismail Khan
The main procession of 9th of Muharram has commenced from the ancient Imambargah of Bammu Shah. The procession is expected to proceed through traditional routes and culminate at Imam Imambargah Lato Faqir. Foolproof security arrangements have been ensured on the procession routes, while mobile phone service has been suspended.
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