Martyrdom of Harzat Hussain (RA) Being Observed Today With Solemnity, Sanctity

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI/LAHORE– Youm-e-Ashura, the 10th of Muharramul Haram, is being observed today with solemnity and sanctity in Pakistan and across the globe to pay homage to Hazrat Hussain (RA) and his companions who laid down their lives in Karbala.

Processions are being taken out in different cities to mourn the martyrdom of Hazrat Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Majalis will be held across the country where ulema will highlight the philosophy of Karbala and pay tributes to the martyrs.

Strict security arrangements have been put in place to thwart off any unwanted incident, while Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been issued for the mourning processions after consultations with the religious scholars to stem the spread of coronavirus.

The day started with special prayers at mosques and imambargahs while all markets and business centres remained closed on the occasion of Ashura.

In Karachi, the main procession was taken out from Nishtar Park. Strict security arrangements have been put in place on the procession routes with 6,368 police officials deployed as security for them.

Ninety snipers of Special Security Unit are also on duty, a police spokesperson said.

He added that 12,455 police officers are on duty around different majlis and processions in the city.

In Peshawar, 12 processions were taken out in the city with strict security in place.

In Sukkur, 44 small and big processions were taken out to remember the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA). In Sibbi, the main procession was taken out from Hyderi Chowk.

In Hyderabad, the main Ashura procession will be taken out from Qadamgah Imambargah and will go through its traditional routes. In Quetta, the main procession will be taken out from Rehmatullah Chowk.

In Rawalpindi, the main procession will be taken out 11am from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain. More than 3,000 police officials have been deployed in the city for the security of the procession.

Sacrifice of Hazrat Hussain (RA), his companions guiding principle for Muslims: President Alvi, PM Imran

In their message on the occasion of Youm-e-Ashura, President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan said the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions is, in fact, a guiding principle for the Muslims which taught them to sacrifice everything during the struggle for truth.

President Alvi said the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) was, in fact, the victory of truth, and symbol of steadfastness against oppression and a glorious example of sacrifice.

The president urged the countrymen to pledge to take every step for the victory of truth, promotion of justice, adherence to Islamic values, and for national progress and prosperity.

PM Imran in his message said the battle of Karbala fought between truth and falsehood has made it clear that the real success and steadfastness is the passion to sacrifice everything for revival and promotion of Islamic values.

Paying tribute to the sacrifice of Kashmiri people, he said they have kept the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) alive and just like Karbala, they also made Kashmir an example of the battle between truth and falsehood.

Mobile phone services suspended

Mobile phone services were suspended on Sunday across various cities of Pakistan for security purposes as thousands of processions marking Youm-e-Ashura were taken out across the country.

In Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar, mobile phone services were suspended on the routes and surrounding areas of the main 10th Muharram processions. Pillion riding and mobile phone services were also suspended in Gujranwala.

Authorities have decided to suspend mobile phone services in Sargodha and Rahim Yar Khan till 10pm. Cellphone services were also suspended in district Faisalabad.

Mobile phone services have been suspended in Multan from 6am and will remain so till 10pm. In Quetta, internet and mobile phone services have been suspended till midnight.— LM REPORT