RAWALPINDI:
Shia Muslims across the Rawalpindi district on Saturday commemorated the martyrdom of Imam Hussain on Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram.
Yaum-e-Ashura is observed every year on Muharram 10 with solemnity to pay homage to Imam Hussain and other martyrs of the Battle of Karbala that took place in 61 AH in modern-day Southern Iraq.
Alam, Zuljinah, and Tazia processions were taken out from different localities of the city and its adjacent areas.
The main Ashura procession in the garrison city followed its traditional routes and concluded at Imambargah Qadeemi late at night amid tight security.
Numerous mourners paid their respects to the martyrs of Karbala, honoring their great sacrifice.
To ensure the safety of the procession, strict security measures were implemented. A three-layer security setup, involving six thousand police personnel, five hundred CCTV cameras, Pakistan Army and Rangers personnel, and aerial surveillance, was present along the procession routes.
Walk-through gates were installed at entry points, and barriers blocked roads and streets connected to the procession’s path.
The procession started from Imam Bargah Hifazat Ali Shah at Chitti Hattian, following its designated route through Murree Road, Committee Chowk, Iqbal Road, and DAV College Road. Another procession merged with the main one at Imambargah Colonel Maqbool.
The mourners proceeded through Bohar Bazar, Moti Bazar, and Trunk Bazar, eventually reaching Fawara Chowk, where they paused for a considerable period. During this time, participants engaged in Zanjeerzani and chest-beating, while scholars reflected on the significance of Karbala and paid homage to the martyrs.
Zuhrain prayers were offered at Fawara Chowk, and Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha, along with RPO, CPO, and other police officers, reviewed the security arrangements.
Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, and Mukhtar Force IDC officials were present during the procession to ensure safety. Bottles of milk and sweet drinks were placed along the route for the participants.
From Fawara Chowk, the procession proceeded through Raja Bazar and Old Fort to Jamia Masjid Road.
Earlier, processions from Imambargah Yadgar Hussain and Imambargah Baltistan arrived at Bani Chowk via Syedpur Road and Kartarpura A, and they also concluded their journey at Imam Bargah Qadeemi.
The City Traffic Police (CTP) had made an elaborate traffic plan to maintain traffic flow on roads on Youm-e-Ashura whereas 1000 traffic policemen were deployed to manage traffic on roads.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 31st, 2023.
