PESHAWAR, March 24: Over a dozen small and big Alam and Zuljinah processions were taken out in the city and cantonment areas in Peshawar on Sunday, 9th of Muharramul Haram, which peacefully culminated after parading traditional routes amid tight security arrangements.

In Peshawar cantt, main Zuljinah procession was taken out from Hussainia Hall which was largely participated by the mourners. A large number of contingents of police and FC jawans escorted the mourners’ procession to provide security.

The traffic on main Saddar road was diverted on alternate routes.

In Peshawar city, Zuljinah processions were taken from Sain Gulab Shah Imam Bara, and Imam Bargah Bibi Sahiba while 10 to 12 small Alams processions were taken out from various Imam Bargahs. These processions culminated at their starting points after parading their traditional routes.

Traffic on main G.T. road was also diverted in order to provide ample space to the mourners processions, beating their chest with blades and chains.

The provincial administration had made elaborate security arrangements in the provincial metropolis to cope with any untoward incident and to maintain peace during Muharram.

All the sensitive areas in Peshawar particularly Kohati gate, Qissa Khwani have been sealed to ensure smooth passage of Aashura, the 10th of Muharram, being observed on Monday.

The law enforcing agencies including regular police, Frontier Corps, Frontier Constabulary, Frontier Reserve Police etc have been put on high alert in sensitive areas in Peshawar, Hangue, Tank, D.I.Khan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Havellian and Haripur to handle the public order.

As an additional measure, the public sector hospitals, Wapda and Suigas departments have also been put on alert while emergency control room have been established at district, divisional and provincial levels to monitor the situation.

Roof tops and hill tops in the sensitive areas like Hangue, have been taken over by the personnel of law enforcing agencies in the province.

Moreover, the district governments in Peshawar, Hangue, Mansehra, Haripur, D.I.Khan, Tank etc have banned pillion riding besides putting complete ban on wall chalking, use of loudspeaker (except for Aazan) and distribution of objectionable materials.—APP