Major cities across the country, including Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar, are observing Muharram 9th processions on Saturday under heightened security, with mobile phone services suspended in some areas and key locations sealed amid fears of unrest.
Authorities in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar deployed tens of thousands of police personnel, sealed sensitive areas, and partially suspended mobile phone services in efforts to prevent any untoward incidents.
In Karachi, the main Muharram 9th procession will begin at 1:00 p.m. from Nishtar Park. Prior to the procession, a majlis (religious gathering) will be held at Nishtar Park, where Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi will deliver a sermon. After the majlis, the Imamia Students Organisation will lead the congregational Zuhrain prayers.
The procession will follow its traditional route—passing through Numaish, Saddar, Radio Pakistan, Jamia Cloth, and Denso Hall—before concluding at the Husainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar. All security arrangements have been finalised for the event.
In Lahore, the main procession commenced at 10:00 a.m. in city’s Pandu Street area. Punjab Police spokespersons reported more than 147,000 officers and staff were stationed throughout the province to secure 1,689 processions and nearly 3,900 majalis (religious gatherings). In Lahore alone, 79 processions and 378 majalis are being protected by more than 10,000 officers.
Read: Karachi traffic plan for Muharram processions
Special instructions have been issued to the Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit (PRU). All teams are maintaining constant coordination with Rescue 1122, the fire brigade, Rescue 15, and other emergency services. Special attention is being paid to the safety of women and children.
“The entire province is on high alert,” said Punjab Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar. “We’re strictly enforcing Section 144 and the Loudspeaker Act.”
In Peshawar, due to security concerns, mobile phone services have been suspended for the Muharram 9th and 10th . The city’s BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) service has also been halted for two days. The main procession began at 10:00 a.m. from Husainia Hall. The Saddar and Cantonment areas of Peshawar have been completely sealed off, and commercial centres are closed.
More than 10,000 police and security personnel have been deployed in Peshawar, while entry of Afghan refugees into the city has been banned for two days. Several major roads including Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Khyber Bazaar, Circular Road, and GT Road have been closed.
