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1h ago

Nationwide Muharram Processions Held Under Massive Security Deployment

Tens of thousands of police, Rangers, surveillance systems, plus civic teams have been mobilized to prevent violence, keep processions orderly, ensure public services 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 across Pakistan on Thursday as central and local processions were held in cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar.
  • Punjab officials said the province activated a province-wide security framework with more than 124,000 police personnel supported by Army and Rangers while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deployed about 43,000 officers and Balochistan reported over 32,000 personnel.
  • Authorities used road closures, container seals, walk‑through gates, CCTV and Safe City monitoring, sniper posts, drones where authorised, targeted mobile‑service suspensions and suspended some public transit services to control routes and crowds.
  • Provincial control rooms operated 24/7 and officials held sustained coordination with ulema, procession organisers and peace committees, complemented by cyber patrolling, QR panic buttons and medical and water (sabeel) provision for mourners.
  • Security officials said events so far were largely peaceful and that high alert and live monitoring will remain in place through Ashura; in Srinagar authorities allowed the traditional route but banned flags or images linked to terrorist groups and barred drones.