Youm-e-Ashura, 10th of Muharram, was observed across the country with due solemnity and sanctity to pay homepage to the sacrifices rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions with strict security measures were in place to avoid any untoward incident.
Muharram is the month of mourning for the seventh-century martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Processions were taken out nationwide while cell phone services remained partially suspended in Karachi and other major cities to ensure fool-proof secuirty as country has seen a raft of attacks at imambargahs and processions in the past.
In his message to commemorate Ashura, President Dr Arif Alvi said the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) was in fact a victory of truth, a symbol steadfastness against oppression, and a glorious example of sacrifice. “It is a lesson that one should not evade even sacrificing his life while fighting against the evil forces,” he said according to Radio Pakistan.
Prime Minister Imran said the historic battle of Karbala fought between truth and falsehood made it clear that the real success and steadfastness is the passion to sacrifice everything for revival and promotion of Islamic values.
Reminding people of the Kashmiri struggle, PM Imran said they [Kashmiris] have kept the teachings of Imam Hussain (RA) alive and just like Karbala, they have also made Kashmir an example of the battle between truth and falsehood.
The prime minister listed down three lessons from Imam Hussain (RA) and his followers at Karbala. “Immortality is earned by those who give the supreme sacrifice of their lives to stand against tyranny & injustice. It is not earned simply by being rich, powerful, or educated,” he wrote. “Throughout history, many great Muslims have been inspired by Karbala & sacrificed their lives to stand against oppression, colonial rule, injustice.”
And third, “Today, the struggle continues against the oppression of occupation & injustice in IIOJK”.
Both the premier and president urged citizens to adhere to Covid-19 SOPs in place for Muharram rituals.
“Let us draw strength from the legacy of Imam Hussain Ibn e Ali (RA), the embodiment of bravery and determination in the face of oppression and tyranny. May we learn to meet every challenge ahead with the same fortitude and courage,” wrote Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
Asad Umar said Karbala is the greatest example of sacrifice.
“Follow in the footsteps of Imam Hussain (RA) in resisting tyranny, falsehood and oppression,” said Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
“Mankind will remain indebted to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) for his supreme sacrifice in the path of truth & justice. His example of patience & trust in Allah in the face of extreme brutality & oppression has been a source of inspiration to the oppressed people around the world,” tweeted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif.
PML-N vice-president Maryam Nawaz also paid tribute to the martyrs.
Rawalpindi
In Rawalpindi, the central procession of Ashura emerged from Imambargah Col Maqbool Hussain and headed towards its culmination point at Imambargah Qadeemi after passing through its designated route.
The mourners held Sham-e-Ghariban Majlis at Imambargah Qadeemi.
Strict security measures were in place to ensure peace and security. Walk-through gates and CCTV cameras have also been installed to check the entry and exit of people at various points.
Lahore
In Lahore, main Shabih-e-Zuljinah procession of 10th Muharram-ul-Haram, was taken out from Nisar Haveli inside Mochi Gate of Old Walled City that passed through its traditional route and culminated at Karbala Gaamay Shah, where Sham-e-Ghareeban was held.
Karachi
The processions of 10th Muharram-ul-Haram were taken out from various parts of Karachi today while the main procession was taken out from Nishtar Park Karachi.
The main procession after passing through the traditional route concluded at Imambargah-e-Iranian Hussaini at Maghrib.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also visited procession and reviewed the security arrangements.
Strict security arrangements were in place on the route of the procession to avoid any untoward situation.
Hyderabad
In Hyderabad, 78 majalis were held throughout the city while 35 small and big processions were taken out from different parts of the city.
The central procession which was taken out from Qadam Gah Moula Ali (RA) after passing different routes culminated at Karbala Dadan Shah in evening.
Peshawar
In Peshawar, the main Alam, Tazia and Zul jinnah procession were taken out from Imam Bargah Agha Syed Ali shah Qissa Khawani Bazaar.
Fourteen other processions were also taken out from different Imambargahs which joined the main procession.
The procession after passing through its traditional routes terminated at its starting point in the evening.
Quetta
In Quetta, the main mourning procession comprised of Alam, Tazia and Zuljinah were taken out from Nichari Imambargah at Alamdar Road.
The main procession culminated at Alamdar Road in the evening after passing through its conventional route.
Tribune