- President, PM pay tribute to Karbala martyrs.
- Security high alert during Ashura processions.
- Cellular services remain shut in different cities.
KARACHI/RAWALPINDI/LAHORE: Ashura, the tenth day of the first Islamic month of Muharram, is being observed today across the country with religious reverence and solemnity to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted companions in Karbala.
The day marks the undeterred resilience of the Prophet’s (PBUH) grandson, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his family and devoted companions who all fought to uphold Islam amid opposition and cruelty.
The mourning processions are being taken out in all the cities and towns of the country with people performing mourning rituals to mark the Ashura.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made across the nation to avoid any untoward incident and ensure safety and security during the processions.
Last week, the Ministry of Interior approved the nationwide deployment of the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces (CAFs) to bolster security during the holy month.
Meanwhile, mobile phone and internet services were suspended in various cities as part of the security measures.
Procession in Karachi
The main procession will be taken out from Nishtar Park after Majalis in the morning.
After passing through its traditional route, the procession will conclude at Bargah Hussainian Iranian Kaharadar in the evening.
The Sindh government has also imposed a ban on pillion riding.
MA Jinnah Road in Karachi has been closed to traffic and markets and shops in areas like Saddar, Empress Market and Regal Market were sealed as the main mourning procession will pass through the major artery.
Procession in Lahore
In Lahore, the main mourning procession commenced from Nisar Haveli at Mochi Gate, which after passing through its traditional route will culminate at Karbala Gaamay Shah in the evening, where Shaam-e-Ghareeban will be held.
Procession in Rawalpindi
The main “zuljinnah’ procession will commence from Imam Bargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain and culminate at Qadeemi Imam Bargah after “Maghrib” today.
On the directions of Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Engineer Aamir Khattak, police have deployed 5,500 police officials all around Rawalpindi to avoid any bad incident.
President, PM pay tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA)
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions, saying that Ashura gives us a message of sacrifice, truthfulness, sincere determination, and standing up for the truth.
Sharing his message on the historic day’s commemoration, President Zardari called upon the nation to follow the path of Imam Hussain (RA) and not only reform itself but also base the governance system, social attitudes and national priorities on honesty, decency and public welfare.”The Day of Ashura is a bright and immortal chapter in Islamic history, which gives us a message of sacrifice, truthfulness and sincere determination”.
He said: “This day reminds us of the great martyrdom of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted companions. This day is a symbol of an eternal struggle against falsehood.”
“Not only a war was fought on the land of Karbala, but there was a test of conscience, character and the true spirit of religion. Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions, by accepting the severity of hunger, thirst and death, gave a lesson to the history of humanity that time can never forget.” he added.
“Their message is still alive today and it is a profound message of standing firm on principles, not bowing down to oppression and coercion and making every sacrifice for the sake of truth,” the president remarked.
“We have to pledge today that we will make Pakistan a manifestation of Imam Hussain (RA)’s message of freedom and justice and promote brotherhood, love, tolerance and national unity,” he added.
Meanwhile, in his message, PM Shehbaz said that Karbala teaches that although the path of truth is difficult, it is the path that leads to the pleasure of Allah and the satisfaction of hearts and eternal prosperity.
He said the message of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) is not limited to his time but is a universal message, which even today convinces us that a Muslim stands for the truth, supports the oppressed, and advocates justice in all circumstances.
— Additional input from APP.
