KARACHI: Ashura — the day of martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, and his 71 kinsmen and companions — will be observed with solemnity and devotion throughout the country today [March 29]. In Karachi, more than 400 Tazias and many other Alam, Tabut and Zuljinnah processions will be taken out from various points.

The main procession of the mourners will start from the Nishtar Park at about 9-30 a.m. today after a Majlis to be addressed by Allama Rashid Turabi at 8-30 a.m. “Soz Khwani” will begin at 8 a.m. Another big procession will be taken out from the Martin Road Imambara early in the morning. It will join the main procession at the Nishtar Park.

[Meanwhile, as reported by an agency in Washington,] Dwight D. Eisenhower, who led allied armies to victory in Europe in the Second World War and later became President of the United States, died here today [March 28]. ... President Nixon announced today that Monday would be a day of national mourning for General Dwight Eisenhower. He ordered flags to be flown at half mast on all public buildings and military establishments for three days from today. Mr Nixon was also expected to arrange for the body to lie in state in the Rotunda of Congress. — Agency

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2019