Police deployed, mobile services curtailed in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and twin cities,Arshid Bukhari talks to Dawn
Noor Fathma Afzal Daily Dawn + Dawn TV
Lahore: Major cities across the country, including Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar, are observing Muharram 9 processions on Saturday under heightened security, with mobile phone services suspended in some areas and key locations sealed amid fears of unrest.
Authorities in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar deployed tens of thousands of police personnel, sealed sensitive areas, and partially suspended mobile phone services in efforts to prevent any untoward incidents, Express News reported.
In Karachi, the main Muharram 9 procession will begin at 1:00 pm from Nishtar Park. Before the procession, a majlis (religious gathering) will be held at Nishtar Park, where Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi will deliver a sermon. After the majlis, the Imamia Students Organisation will lead the congregational Zuhrain prayers.
The procession will follow its traditional route—passing through Numaish, Saddar, Radio Pakistan, Jamia Cloth, and Denso Hall—before concluding at the Hussainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar. All security arrangements have been finalised for the event.
In Lahore, the main procession commenced at 10:00 am. Punjab Police spokespersons reported more than 147,000 officers and staff were stationed throughout the province to secure 1,689 processions and nearly 3,900 majalis (religious gatherings). In Lahore alone, 79 processions and 378 majalis are being protected by more than 10,000 officers.
Special instructions have been issued to the Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit (PRU). All teams are maintaining constant coordination with Rescue 1122, the fire brigade, Rescue 15, and other emergency services. Special attention is being paid to the safety of women and children.
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