Countrywide Muharram 9 processions conclude peacefully amid strict security
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Muharram 9 processions concluded countrywide on Thursday amid tight security arrangements as mourners commemorated the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The central procession in Islamabad for the day was taken out after Zuhr prayers from Markazi Isna Ashari Imambargah in G-6/2. The gathering culminated at the same place later in the night after passing through its designated route. The main procession in Karachi departed from Nishtar Park at around 1:30pm and concluded at Imambargah Hussainia Iranian in Kharadar. In Hyderabad, the main procession set off from Imambargah Chahardah Masoomeen in Latifabad in the afternoon. Organised by Anjuman Guldasta-i-Akbar, the gathering culminated at the same imambargah by evening prayers. Similarly, in Lahore, the main procession emerged from Pando Street in Islampura in the morning and concluded at Khaima-i-Sadaat Imambargah at around 10pm after passing through its traditional route. State broadcaster PTV News reported that a total of 81 processions and 386 religious gatherings were being held in the Punjab capital. In Peshawar, the central mourning procession was taken out from Imambargah Hussainia Hall at around 10am and concluded by 7pm. The main procession in Quetta emerged from Alamdar Road and concluded at Mominabad Imambargah, state-run APP reported. View this post on Instagram State minister reviews security arrangements Security arrangements and traffic plans were made for the day for all across the country. State broadcaster PTV News reported that Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry chaired a meeting today to review security arrangements for Muharram. It reported that home secretaries and police officials from all provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir attended the meeting, where arrangements for Muharram were comprehensively reviewed and a briefing was given on security arrangements for mourning processions and religious