Muharram 10 security on highest alert amid Ashura processions across Pakistan
Authorities have put strict Muharram 10 security arrangements in place across Pakistan as thousands of mourners participate in Ashura processions and religious gatherings. The day marks the martyrdom of Imam Husain (RA) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
Ashura is observed every year with mourning processions and majalis to remember the sacrifice of Imam Husain (RA). Security has been strengthened in every province to protect participants and maintain peace during the events.
In Karachi, the central procession started from Nishtar Park in the morning and will end at Imambargah Hussainia Iranian after passing through its traditional route. Police have deployed around 20,000 personnel across the city, including about 6,500 officers assigned to the main procession.
Authorities have warned that mobile phone and internet services may remain suspended along the main procession route in Karachi. Traffic police have also closed M A Jinnah Road from Gurumandir to Tower and advised people to use alternative routes.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said more than 60,000 police and Rangers personnel have been deployed across the province. He added that over 1,600 Muharram processions are being held in Sindh.
In Hyderabad, the main procession began from Qadam Gah Maula Ali near Station Road and will end at Karbala Dadan Shah. Security teams and traffic officials are monitoring the route throughout the day.
Rawalpindi has also adopted strict security measures for the main Ashura procession. Five Army companies, seven Rangers companies and thousands of police officers have been deployed to secure the city.
The Metro Bus Service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad has been suspended due to security concerns. Officials said the mourning procession will pass beneath the metro track along Murree Road.
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More than 8,000 police personnel are performing security duties in Rawalpindi, while over 5,500 officers are assigned to the main procession alone. Snipers have been placed on rooftops, roads have been sealed and participants are being searched before entering the procession.
Authorities are monitoring the city through more than 2,000 CCTV cameras. Police have also introduced a mobile application to scan identity cards at checkpoints and bus terminals.
A total of 475 processions and 2,201 majalis are scheduled across Rawalpindi district during Muharram. Two special control rooms are monitoring all important locations through live video surveillance.
In Lahore, the central Ashura procession started from Nisar Haveli. Police and emergency services remain on alert throughout the city.
Punjab has introduced a province-wide three-layer security plan. More than 125,000 police personnel, 61 Army companies, 76 Rangers companies and over 30,000 trained volunteers are helping maintain security.
Medical teams, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence staff, mobile health units, field hospitals and sanitation workers have also been deployed to assist mourners and keep procession routes clean.
Authorities are using artificial intelligence monitoring systems, CCTV cameras, body cameras and geo-tagged video surveillance. More than 5,600 CCTV cameras and over 1,000 4G event cameras are monitoring sensitive locations across Punjab.
Mobile phone services have been partially suspended in 24 districts of Punjab. Officials said the suspension will continue at religious gathering sites until 10pm.
In Peshawar, 12 Ashura processions are planned throughout the day. The first procession started near Meena Bazaar, while the remaining processions are scheduled to leave from different locations between noon and 3pm.
Police have deployed around 12,000 personnel in Peshawar, supported by bomb disposal units, sniffer dogs, traffic police and plain-clothes officers. Three-layer security has also been arranged, with marksmen positioned on high-rise buildings.
Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, more than 43,317 police personnel have been deployed during Muharram. Authorities said 907 processions and hundreds of religious gatherings are expected across the province, while Section 144 has been enforced in several districts.
No procession is being held in Islamabad. However, authorities have tightened security due to the nearby Rawalpindi procession.
Balochistan has also introduced strict security measures for Ashura. More than 32,000 security personnel have been deployed across the province, including over 17,000 officers in Quetta alone.
Authorities are using aerial surveillance and CCTV cameras to monitor procession routes in Quetta. Shops and commercial centres along the routes have been sealed, while mobile phone and internet services have been suspended in Quetta and other sensitive areas during the processions.
The large security operation shows that authorities are treating Muharram 10 as a top national priority. Strong security, traffic planning and modern surveillance are aimed at allowing mourners to observe Ashura peacefully while reducing the risk of any security incident.
