Muharram 9 Processions Held Under Tight Security in Major Cities of Pakistan

As the sacred month of Muharram continues, major cities across Pakistan, including Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar, are observing the 9th of Muharram with deep reverence and intensified security measures. In light of ongoing security concerns, authorities have taken significant steps to ensure the safety of mourners and participants in Muharram 9 processions.

Heightened Security Across Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar

Police forces have been deployed in massive numbers, with tens of thousands of officers on duty nationwide. Sensitive areas have been sealed, and mobile phone services have been partially suspended in various regions to prevent any untoward incidents.

In Karachi, the central procession began from Nishtar Park at 1:00 PM. A majlis took place beforehand, led by renowned scholar Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi. Following the gathering, the Imamia Students Organisation led the Zuhrain prayers. The procession followed its traditional route through key city locations including Numaish, Saddar, Radio Pakistan, and Jamia Cloth Market, before concluding at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar. The city’s traffic plan was reshaped to accommodate the procession, and extensive security arrangements were implemented by local law enforcement agencies.

Lahore Ensures Multi-Layered Safety Measures

In Lahore, processions began early at 10:00 AM. Over 10,000 police officers were deployed in the city, covering 79 processions and nearly 378 majalis. Across Punjab, more than 147,000 personnel have been positioned to secure nearly 1,689 processions and 3,900 majalis. The Punjab Police’s Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit (PRU) are actively patrolling the streets, in coordination with Rescue 1122, the fire department, and emergency services. Punjab’s Inspector General, Dr. Usman Anwar, confirmed that Section 144 and the Loudspeaker Act are being strictly enforced to maintain order and respect.

Strict Measures in Peshawar Amid Muharram Observances

In Peshawar, the main procession originated from Husainia Hall at 10:00 AM. The Saddar and Cantonment areas have been sealed, while major roads including Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Circular Road, GT Road, and Khyber Bazaar remain closed for traffic. Commercial activities have been halted and the city’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has been suspended for two days. Security personnel exceeding 10,000 have been deployed, and the entry of Afghan refugees into the city has been temporarily restricted to further tighten security.

Mobile Phone Services and Transport Disruptions

To minimize the risk of remote-triggered incidents, mobile phone networks have been suspended in several areas across all three cities. This suspension will continue on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram. Public transport, particularly in cities like Peshawar, is also affected, with services like BRT temporarily halted.