• Karachi procession ended at Hussainia Iranian.
• Punjab deployed over 70,000 security personnel.
• Balochistan stationed more than 32,000 officers.
  

Thousands of mourners participated in peaceful 9th Muharram processions nationwide on Thursday to commemorate the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his loyal companions in Karbala.

Strict security arrangements were put in place along procession routes, while sabeels have been established in various cities. 

Processions were held in major urban centres — including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur and Hangu.

Punjab

In Lahore, the central Zuljanah procession of 9th Muharram commenced from Islampura, while another major procession departed from Pando Street and culminated at Khaima-e-Sadaat.

According to the Punjab Police spokesperson, 1,697 mourning processions and 3,869 majalis were held across the province today.

Punjab Inspector General of Police said more than 70,000 officers and personnel were deployed for security duties across the province.

“We will ensure the peaceful observance of 9th Muharram with the cooperation of community leaders, administration and security institutions,” the IG Punjab said.

He added that security checks were carried out through CCTV cameras, walk-through gates, metal detectors and other modern equipment.

Snipers were deployed along procession routes, while plain-clothes commandos were accompanying processions, according to the IG Punjab.

The IG said support was also provided by provincial ministers, religious scholars, armed forces, Rangers and security agencies.

He added that double riding remained banned, except for senior citizens, women and law enforcement personnel.

Sindh

In Karachi, the central 9th Muharram procession emerged from Nishtar Park at 1pm and passed through its traditional route before concluding at Hussainia Iranian in Kharadar in the evening.

Mourners offered Zuhrain prayers in front of Imambargah Ali Raza on M.A. Jinnah Road.

Karachi Police said foolproof security arrangements had been made for the procession.

According to the police spokesperson, more than 5,000 officers and personnel were deployed, while Rangers personnel will also perform security duties.

Authorities also sealed streets, markets, roads and shops connected to the procession route with containers.

Mobile phone services were suspended in and around Nishtar Park.

Police and Rangers have been deployed along the route, while MA Jinnah Road was completely closed to traffic before the procession begins.

Meanwhile, the historic 500-year-old Nau Dhala Tazia procession in Rohri has reached Karbala Ground.

KP, Balochistan

In Hangu, the 9th Muharram mourning procession emerged from Mohalla Syedan Ghari Bazaar and has reached the central Imambargah on Shahu Road via its designated route.

Authorities said strict security arrangements had been made for the procession.

In Balochistan, police sources said stringent security measures had been implemented for Muharram processions and gatherings.

More than 32,000 security personnel have been deployed across the province, according to police sources.

Islamabad

In the federal capital, a procession was taken out from Imambargah Isna Ashari G-6 as part of the 9th Muharram observances and culminated after passing through its traditional route.