- Strict security measures apply.
- Mobile phone services suspended.
- Thousands of people participate in processions.
Mourning processions in connection with Youm-e-Ashur, the tenth day of Muharram-ul-Haram, have begun across the country to pay homage to Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions for their sacrifice at Karbala.
Mobile and internet services have been suspended in all cities and troops of Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces (CAF) have been deployed to prevent any untoward incident and maintain law and order situation.
This day is a poignant reminder of the unwavering resilience of Imam Hussain (RA), the beloved grandson of the Prophet (PBUH), his family and his devoted companions, who bravely defended Islam in the face of opposition and cruelty.
In his Ashura message, President Asif Ali Zardari stressed the need to show unity and confront the forces of cruelty and evil with firmness while learning the lessons of the Karbala incident.
He called upon the entire nation to advocate tolerance, hard work and justice, while taking into account the needs of the poor and the needy.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed on promoting equality, tolerance, unity and discipline within ourselves to confront the internal and external threats facing the country.
The Prime Minister advised to draw inspiration from the values of fortitude and courage of the martyrs of Karbala and said that everyone should forget racial, professional, linguistic and other differences to make our country stronger.
Karachi
The mourning procession in the country's largest city began in Nishtar Park, with not only men but also women, children and the elderly taking part.
Allama Shehanshah Hussain Naqvi addressed the mourners at the beginning of the procession.
To ensure safety, mourners are allowed to enter designated procession areas after thorough screening.
The people, who will walk for about 9-10 km, will start from Numaish and continue till Memon Masjid in Kharadar.
The mourners, to show their love to those who lost their lives in Karbala, also donate blood, so several blood donation camps have also been established.
Lahore
The funeral procession began at around 8:00 am from Nisar Haveli. The mourners had prayed “Namaz-e-Ali Akbar” the previous night, then rested and then began their procession today.
The procession will follow its traditional route, in which a large crowd will participate. In view of the popular participation, food and water stands have been set up by volunteers.Niaz and sabeel).
For security reasons, all roads leading to Mochi Darwaza have been closed with containers and barbed wire. A security check has been set up at the main entrance, through which people are allowed to enter after being thoroughly screened.
Peshawar
Around 12 processions will be held in Peshawar today, with the first one starting from Imam Bargah Syed Ali Shah Rizvi at 11am.
Keeping in view the security situation in the city, around 14,000 police personnel have been deployed while bomb disposal unit personnel are present to clear the procession corridors.
All procession routes have been blocked and mobile phone services have been suspended. Funeral processions are being monitored by CCTV cameras.
Multan
In the city of saints, the central procession started from Imam Bargah Hira Haideri church early in the day. When the believers reached Chowk Ghala Godam, they not only mourned but also resorted to 'zanjeer zani'.
The procession will follow its usual route, passing through Lakkar Mandi Chowk, Ghanta Ghar, Water Works Road and other areas, and will conclude with Namaz-e-Maghrib at Dargah Shah Shams Tabrez.
The central procession will also be joined by smaller processions. In total, 116 Youm-e-Ashur processions and over 130 majalis will be held in Multan, for which over 6,000 security personnel, along with volunteers, have been deployed.
CCTV monitoring of all major processions is being carried out and CPO Multan Sadiq Ali Dogar said Geo news that there is only one way to enter the procession, and it is allowed after a three-level security check.
Rawalpindi
The first central mourning procession will start from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain Teli Mohalla in Rawalpindi.
According to police, mobile phone service will remain partially suspended in the surrounding areas, while police blockades will be in place along the traditional routes.
Metro bus service will remain suspended in Rawalpindi but will be restored from Faizabad to Federal Secretariat.
More than 6,000 police officers and 900 traffic officers have been deployed across the city.
Quetta
The Ashura procession began at Alamdar Road in Quetta around 9 am while telephone services were suspended.
Hyderabad
Strict security arrangements have been made for Ashura in Hyderabad with over 4,000 personnel and officials deployed for the security of the procession.
All roads and shops on the procession route have been closed, the senior superintendent of police said, adding that a control room has been set up to monitor the procession.
