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34m ago

Nationwide 9th Muharram Processions Held Under Massive Security and Tech Surveillance

Authorities deployed large forces and digital monitoring to reduce the risk of violence and to sustain public order ahead of Ashura.

A Shi'ite Muslim woman walks through water mist sprayed to cool people from the heat ahead of Ashura, the holiest day on the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, in Karbala, Iraq June 25, 2026. REUTERS/Ahmed Saad
Raju Rathore, an artisan from Pakistani Hindu community, makes a replica of the mausoleum of Imam Hussain locally called 'Tazia', in preparation for the upcoming Ashoura, when Shiites Muslims mark the death of Hussein, at his home in Karachi, Pakistan, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Ali Raza)
Artisans from Pakistani Hindu community, give final touches to a replica of the mausoleum of Imam Hussain locally called 'Tazia', in preparation for the upcoming Ashoura, when Shiites Muslims mark the death of Hussein, at their home in Karachi, Pakistan, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Ali Raza)
Raju Rathore, an artisan from Pakistani Hindu community, gives final touches to a replica of the mausoleum of Imam Hussain locally called 'Tazia', in preparation for the upcoming Ashoura, when Shiites Muslims mark the death of Hussein, at his home in Karachi, Pakistan, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Ali Raza)

Overview

  • Thousands of mourners took part in 9th Muharram processions on Thursday and officials reported the major events concluded largely peacefully under tight security.
  • Provinces mobilised tens of thousands of personnel with Punjab reporting more than 70,000 officers, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over 43,000, Balochistan about 32,000 and Islamabad using roughly 16,000 police, Rangers and army staff.
  • Security measures included sealed routes with containers and barbed wire, bans on pillion riding and rooftop gatherings, deployment of snipers and bomb-disposal teams, and temporary suspension of mobile services in selected areas.
  • Authorities used an array of technology to monitor events, deploying thousands of CCTV and 4G cameras, drones, AI-based monitoring, QR links for imambargahs and central control rooms to manage responses in real time.
  • Officials set up public support services such as water stalls, medical camps and Rescue 1122 teams and warned that the same restrictions and high alert will remain in place for the 10th Muharram with local advisories banning provocative flags and imagery in places like Srinagar.