Local authorities in all three cities have urged public to cooperate with security forces and avoid unnecessary movement to ensure peaceful observance of religious rituals
KARACHI: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 5th, 2025) The 9th Muharram processions are being held in various cities across Pakistan under strict security arrangements, with mobile phone services suspended and sensitive areas sealed in several regions.
In Karachi, the central 9th Muharram procession will begin from Nishtar Park at 1 PM, following a Majlis (religious gathering) addressed by Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi.
After the Majlis, the Imamia Students Organization will lead the congregation in Zuhrain prayers. The procession will follow its traditional route through Numaish, Saddar, Radio Pakistan, Jama Cloth Market, and Denso Hall, concluding at Husainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar. All security arrangements have been finalized for the occasion.
In Lahore, the main procession began at 10 AM from Pandow Street, with more than 147,000 police officers and personnel deployed for security across the city and province.
According to the Punjab Police spokesperson, a total of 1,689 mourning processions and 3,895 Majalis (religious gatherings) are being held across the province today, protected by over 100,000 police personnel. In Lahore alone, 79 processions and 378 Majalis are being guarded by more than 10,000 security officials.
Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit (PRU) teams have been given special directives, with all units maintaining constant coordination with Rescue 1122, fire brigades, and other emergency services. Extra attention is being paid to the safety of women and children in attendance.
Punjab IG Dr. Usman Anwar stated that high alert security is in place across the province, with Section 144 strictly enforced. Regulations regarding procession routes, timings, and loudspeaker usage are being implemented with full vigilance.
In Peshawar, due to heightened security concerns, mobile phone services have been suspended on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. The city’s BRT service has also been halted for two days. The main procession from Husainia Hall began at 10 AM, while the Saddar and Cantonment areas have been completely sealed, and commercial centers closed.
Over 10,000 police and security personnel have been deployed in Peshawar. Additionally, a two-day ban has been imposed on the entry of Afghan refugees into the city. Major roads, including Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Khyber Bazaar, Circular Road, and GT Road, have been shut down for security purposes.
The local authorities in all three cities have urged the public to cooperate with security forces and avoid unnecessary movement to ensure peaceful observance of the religious rituals.
