KARACHI: Yaum-i-Ashura procession to pay homage to the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions at Karbala was observed peacefully in the metropolis on Sunday amid tight security.

Like in other major cities, cellular services were suspended in the provincial capital.

The procession started from Nishtar Park, which passed through traditional routes and culminated at Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.

“Security for Muharram processions is always a challenge for police as large number of processions and majalis are being held in Karachi round the clock for at least first 10 days of the month,” said city police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon. “We coordinate with the Shia scout organisations who are a good helping hand in creating security environment,” added Mr Memon. “Nevertheless, terrorists have advantage to select the time and place to execute their nefarious design, we try to give our best to outsmart them” observed the police chief.

Another officer, DIG South Javed Akbar Riaz said that “all went very well and peacefully.” However, the DIG pointed out that there were a number of concerns, especially related to sewerage and power outages on the route, but due to “excellent teamwork” of police, commissioner Karachi and K-Electric, all issues were resolved in a timely manner.

“Police and Rangers worked day and night to ensure foolproof security arrangements,” observed the South zone police chief.

The police performed their duty to provide security to the main Ashura processions, according to the police spokesperson.

As many as 6,368 policemen including 113 female police led by 73 senior officers were deployed for security of main procession of ninth Muharram. Special Security Unit’s 90 snipers were also deployed at different places of the main procession. In addition to the police, Pakistan Rangers Sindh also provided protection to the procession.

In order to ensure smooth flow of traffic on alternative roads/routes, 1,095 traffic police were deployed in order to avoid inconveniences to the commuters.

Meanwhile, head of the Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jaferi, appreciated the role of law enforcement agencies for ensuring peaceful atmosphere during Ashura processions across the country. “National security institutions performed their role with responsibility for protection of the mourners.”

The MWM chief regretted that certain elements in Punjab’s Okara district and some districts of Sindh created hindrances and the government should take notice of this.

He urged Shias and Sunnis to maintain unity and observed that those who were creating disunity among Muslims were furthering agenda of anti-Islam forces.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2020