Major cities across Pakistan, including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, are observing Muharram 9 processions today amid stringent security protocols. Authorities have suspended mobile phone services, sealed off sensitive areas, and deployed tens of thousands of police personnel to ensure peace during the religious observances.
Karachi
In Karachi, the main procession is set to begin at 1:00 PM from Nishtar Park, following a majlis addressed by Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi. The Imamia Students Organisation will lead congregational Zuhrain prayers before the procession moves through its traditional route—Numaish, Saddar, Radio Pakistan, Jamia Cloth Market, and Denso Hall—culminating at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.
Lahore
The main procession in Lahore began at 10:00 AM, with Punjab Police deploying over 147,000 personnel across the province. Lahore alone hosts 79 processions and 378 majalis, guarded by more than 10,000 officers. Special attention is being paid to crowd control, particularly for women and children, and all emergency services remain on high alert. Section 144 and the Loudspeaker Act are being strictly enforced.
Peshawar
In Peshawar, the procession started from Husainia Hall, with the Saddar and Cantonment areas completely sealed. Over 10,000 personnel have been deployed, while mobile networks and BRT services have been suspended for both Muharram 9 and 10. Authorities have banned the entry of Afghan refugees into the city during this time, citing security concerns. Key roads, including Qissa Khwani Bazaar and GT Road, have been closed.
Rawalpindi and Islamabad
In Rawalpindi, the central procession began from Imambargah Fatimiyah Chitian Hattian, moving through Iqbal and Alam Khan Roads before concluding at Imambargah Colonel Maqbool. Adjacent roads and commercial areas such as Landa Bazaar and Bohar Bazaar remain shut.
In Islamabad, the procession is proceeding along its designated route under multi-layered security arrangements. Speaking outside Imambargah Asna Ashari, Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon said preparations, including sanitation and rainwater drainage, were completed ahead of time. A mobile control room has been set up for real-time monitoring.
DIG Jawad Tariq confirmed that over 5,000 Islamabad Police and Rangers personnel have been deployed, with CTD commandos stationed on rooftops. Surveillance is being conducted through body cameras and modern tech systems.
IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said that despite no specific threats, extraordinary measures are warranted due to the spiritual significance of Muharram. The 3.88 km procession route is completely sealed, and police will remain on duty until the event concludes.
A seven-layer security framework is in place, supported by 71 search and sweep operations conducted over the past two weeks.
These security arrangements reflect a nationwide effort to maintain peace and religious harmony during a period of deep spiritual significance for millions of Pakistanis.
