ISLAMABAD -UNS:The nation is marking Youm-e-Ashur, the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), with religious fervour and devotion on Wednesday amid strict security arrangements and suspension of internet and mobile phone services.
The Imam refused to surrender before an illegal occupant of khilafat and did not swear allegiance to Yazid and sacrificed his life along with his family members and loyal companions on 10th of Muharram in year 61 AH in Iraq’s city Karbala.
Processions were taken out in small and big cities across the country and congregations (Malais) were organised where homage was paid to the great sacrifices of the martyrs of Karbala. Ulema and Zakireen highlighted the bright and candid teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain and various aspects of Karbala tragedy.
In Lahore, the main Zuljinnah procession, started from Nisar Haveli inside Mochi Gate on Tuesday. The processionists said Zohrain prayers outside Wazir Khan Mosque.
The procession passed through its specified route – Rang Mahal Chowk, China Chowk, Sunhri Masjid, Tehsil Bazar – and ended at Karbala Gamey Shah outside Bhati Gate. A memorial service would be held at Gamey Shah late night to pay homage to the martyrs of Karbala.
The participants in the procession continued beating their chest and flogging with chains.
Similar processions have also been taken out in Thokar Niaz Baig, Islampura and other localities of the city. Mourners have also set up water stalls (Sabeel) to offer water to the participants.
The main procession of Ashura in Karachi passed through M.A. Jinnah Road, Tibet Center and its fixed route and ended at Imambargah Hussainiya Iraniyan in Kharadar.
Allama Shahshah Hussain Naqvi addressed the mourners before the start of procession and highlighted importance of the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain.
Mobile phone service was suspended in different areas of Karachi besides ban on pillion riding.
The main procession of Ashura in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi was taken out from Imambargah Colonel Maqbool.
The administration made stringent security arrangements for the main procession and deployed 6,000 police personnel to guard processionists and around 900 traffic police officials to maintain traffic flow.
Walk-through gates have been installed at the entry points of processions. The processions were being monitored with the help of CCTV cameras.
As many as 12 processions were taken out from various areas of Peshawar of Youm-e-Ashura.
The first procession started from Imambargah Syed Ali Shah Rizvi which reached its destination after passing through a designated route.
The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa made foolproof security arrangements and deployed 14,000 police personnel and the bomb disposal unit.
