July 18, 2024
Islamabad On Wednesday, amid heightened security measures, mourners marched across the country to mark Yaum-i-Ashura.
Yaum-i-Ashura is solemnly observed every year on the 10th day of the month of Muharram to pay tribute to Imam Husayn, the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and other martyrs of Karbala.
According to state-run Radio Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari said the martyrs of Karbala had taught the Muslim umma (community) a lesson to remain steadfast in the face of any atrocities and raise their voice against all evil.
He appealed to the people to insist on patience, hard work and justice besides realising the demands of the poor and needy.
President Zardari also stressed the need to stand united and resolutely confront the forces of cruelty and evil while learning lessons from the Karbala incident.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed similar sentiments and advised them to take inspiration from the values of fortitude and courage of the martyrs of Karbala to persevere through the challenges, according to Radio Pakistan.
He encouraged equality, tolerance, unity and discipline within ourselves to deal with the domestic and international threats facing the country.
He later commended law enforcement and security agencies for maintaining peace and tranquility, saying the march took place and the day passed without any incident.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Imam Hussain’s philosophy was “a beacon to all humanity.”
“The grandson of Prophet Imam Hussain (RA) along with his family and companions drank the cup of martyrdom for the truth,” Naqvi was quoted as saying in a post on the Interior Ministry’s X.
“The story of Karbala is the greatest story of the exaltation of truth and truth.”
He later said the day was peaceful thanks to government arrangements and praised the role of academics in maintaining harmony.
The Ministry of Interior has approved the deployment of military forces across the country to ensure peace and security during the holy month of Muharram, and has banned the use of drones during Ashura processions and Majalis across the country.
Meanwhile, Sindh Police deployed 59,000 officers to police the marches across the province, and a ban on riding motorbikes and possession of all permitted weapons was imposed across the province.
Restrictions on access to Facebook have also been reported by users and trackers.
Lahore
The main procession in Lahore started from Nisar Haveli in Mohalla Chillah Vivian in the morning and reached its destination Karbala Gamay Shah Imambargah.
The Lahore Traffic Police said six patrol officers, 210 senior traffic wardens, 140 patrol constables and over 1,000 wardens have been appointed for the duties.
Karachi
In Karachi, the main procession started from Nishtar Park at 9.40am and followed the traditional fixed route before reaching and concluding at Hussainiya Iraniyan Imam Bargah.
Due to security reasons, MA Jinnah Road will remain closed from Guru Mandir to Tower.
According to a traffic plan issued by the local authorities, people coming from Nazimabad can head towards their destination from Lasbela Chowk via Garden towards Nishtar Road.
Those coming from Liaquatabad should go through Teen Hatti up to Lasbela Chowk and then turn left towards Central Jail (Martin Road).
Those going from Hassan Square to PP Chowrangi can take Kashmir Road to Shahrahikaideen and from Tin Hatti to Jail Flyover to Nishtar Road (Lasbela Chowk).
Meanwhile, travellers coming from Sharee Faisal towards Numaish via Shahr-e-Qaideen (Noorani Kebab) can turn right at the society signal and take Kashmir Road to their destination.
Those travelling from Central Jail Gate (Jamshed Road) towards Guru Mandir MA Jinnah Road can take Bahadur Yar Jang Road (Soldier Bazaar) from Guru Mandir to reach their destination.
Traffic heading towards MA Jinnah Road from Garden Zoo can take the Anklesaria route via Guru Plaza on the right and Coast Guard Holy Family Hospital on the left to reach their destination.
Meanwhile, all heavy/commercial traffic coming towards M.A. Jinnah Road from Superhighway and Gulberg will be diverted from Liaquatabad No. 10 to Nazimabad Chowrangi No. 2 via Habib Bank Flyover, State Avenue Road and Shershah.
According to the transport plan, it is possible to return by the same route to Mauripur.
All heavy and commercial traffic coming towards the city from the national highway will be allowed to travel via Sharee Faisal or via Rashid Minhas Road, Stadium Road, Sir Shah Sulaiman Road, Hassan Square, Liaquatabad No. 10, Nazimabad Chowrangi No. 2, Habib Bank Flyover, State Avenue Road and Shershah up to Mauripur and will take the same route on the return journey, it said.
As per the traffic plan, traffic of any size will be banned on the procession route beyond Guru Mandir Chowk and will be diverted towards Bahadur Yar Jang Road (Soldier Bazaar).
He added that entry of all kinds of vehicles will be prohibited on MA Jinnah Avenue, except for vehicles bearing stickers to take part in the procession. To take part in the procession, vehicles bearing stickers will be allowed to enter through Shahr-e-Quaideen (social signal).
The transportation plan outlined the following route for procession participants:
Peshawar
In Peshawar, the procession would begin from GT Road, pass through Mukri Bazar service road and end at 4 pm, according to city traffic police.
Police said citizens are asked to avoid unnecessary travel during Ashura and are encouraged to call 1915 for any traffic-related complaints or queries.
