Muharram 9 processions conclude amid tight security in major cities

Major cities across the country, including Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar, observed Muharram 9 processions on Saturday under tight 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, Express News reported.

In Karachi, the main Muharram 9 procession began at 1:00 PM from Nishtar Park. Prior to the procession, a majlis was held at Nishtar Park, where Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi delivered a sermon. After the majlis, the Imamia Students Organisation led the congregational Zuhrain prayers.

The procession followed its traditional route—passing through Numaish, Saddar, Radio Pakistan, Jamia Cloth, and Denso Hall—before concluding at the Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar. 

In Lahore, the main procession commenced at 10:00 am. 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.

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.

Read: Karachi traffic plan for Muharram processions

“The entire province is on high alert,” said Punjab Police Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar. “We’re strictly enforcing Section 144 and the Loudspeaker Act.”

In Peshawar, the main procession began at 10:00 am from Husainia Hall. The Saddar and Cantonment areas of Peshawar have been completely sealed off, and commercial centres were closed.

Due to security concerns, mobile phone services suspended for Muharram 9 and 10. The city’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service has also been halted for two days.

Meanwhile, over 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.

Muharram processions held in twin cities under tight security

The main Muharram 9 procession in Rawalpindi commenced from Imambargah Fatimiyah Chitian Hattian and concluded after passing through its designated route.

All roads adjacent to the procession route were sealed, while commercial activity remained suspended in Landa Bazaar, Iqbal Road, College Road, and Bohar Bazaar.

In Islamabad, the central Muharram 9 procession emerged from Imambargah Jamia Al-Asna Ashari, G-6 and concluded after returning to Imambargah Jamia Al-Asna Ashari via the same prescribed path.

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Memon, speaking outside Imambargah Asna Ashari, said all arrangements for majalis and processions had been finalized weeks in advance.

Additional sanitation workers were deployed and drainage measures taken to handle last night’s rainfall. A mobile control room has been established for the first time, and street lighting issues along the route have been resolved.

DIG Islamabad Jawad Tariq said over 5,000 personnel from Islamabad Police and Rangers have been deployed. Multiple layers of checks are in place, with CTD commandos stationed on rooftops. Surveillance is being carried out using body cameras and modern monitoring tools.

Read more: Section 144 to remain in place across Punjab during Muharram

Inspector General of Police Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said extraordinary security measures were essential despite the absence of specific threats, citing the religious importance and sensitivity of Muharram. The entire route has been sealed with containers and barbed wire.

Photo: Islamabad Police- @ICT_Police/X

Photo: Islamabad Police- @ICT_Police/X

According to the IG, security personnel have shown dedication over the past eight days, and the full schedule of the procession will be followed strictly.

Speaking to the media during the procession, IG Rizvi said the event is being monitored through surveillance cameras. Covering a distance of 3.88 kilometers, the procession will return to its starting point. Police will remain on duty until its conclusion.

A total of 4,100 officers have been deployed directly for the procession, with overall security personnel reaching 5,800, including those assigned to traffic and rooftop surveillance.

A seven-layer security plan has been implemented to ensure peace and public safety. 71 search-and-sweep operations were conducted in the 14 days leading up to Muharram, stated police spokesperson.