Ninth Muharram processions are being taken out across Pakistan, with authorities deploying thousands of security personnel to ensure peaceful observance of Ashura.

Processions and majalis are being held in major cities, including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur and Hangu. Security arrangements have been put in place along procession routes, while sabeels have been established in various cities.

In Lahore, the central Zuljanah procession commenced from Islampura, while another major procession departed from Pando Street and will culminate at Khaima-e-Sadaat. According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, 1,697 processions and 3,869 majalis are being held across the province. More than 70,000 officers and personnel have been deployed for security duties across Punjab.

Security checks are being carried out through CCTV cameras, walk-through gates, metal detectors and other modern equipment. Snipers have been deployed along procession routes, while plain-clothes commandos are accompanying processions. Support is also being provided by provincial ministers, religious scholars, armed forces, Rangers and security agencies. Meanwhile pillion riding remains banned, except for senior citizens, women and law enforcement personnel.

In Karachi, the central majlis was held at Nishtar Park at 10 am, where Allama Shehenshah Hussain Naqvi addressed participants. The central procession emerged from Nishtar Park at 1 pm, passing through its traditional route before concluding at Hussainia Iranian in Kharadar in the evening. More than 5,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed alongside Rangers whereas streets, markets and roads along the procession route have been sealed with containers, mobile phone services suspended in and around Nishtar Park and high-risk areas closed for traffic.

In Sukkur, the 500-year-old Nau Dhala Tazia procession emerged from Imambargah Shah Iraq and will camp at Karbala Ground in the evening, while the historic procession in Rohri has reached Mandu Khabar.

In Hangu, the 9th Muharram procession emerged from Mohalla Syedan Ghari Bazaar and has reached the central Imambargah on Shahu Road. In Balochistan, more than 32,000 security personnel have been deployed across the province for Muharram processions and gatherings.

In Islamabad, a procession is being taken out from Imambargah Isna Ashari G-6 as part of the day’s observances.