GILGIT: Mourners held processions on eighth Muharram, which culminated peacefully across Gilgit-Baltistan on Thursday with strict security arrangements in place.

Alam and Tazia processions were taken out from various areas in Gilgit, Nagar, Hunza, Astore, Skardu, Kharmang, Shigar, and Ghanche. Sabeel and food stalls were established by various organisations along the procession routes.

The main procession emerged from Imamia Central Mosque in Danyor, Gilgit. Small processions from Sultanabad and Sharot also joined the central procession. The processions passed through various routes, including Karakoram Highway and Iqbal Road, and ended at Shayot Imambargah.

The mourners paid tribute to the martyrs of Karbala for upholding the values of Islam. Tight security arrangements were made, and the processions were monitored by CCTV and drone cameras.

A meeting regarding the security and other arrangements for Muharram was held in Gilgit, chaired by GB Chief Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.

The meeting was attended by Gilgit Division Commissioner Najeeb Alam, Gilgit DIG Farman Ali, Special Branch DIG Sultan Faisal and GB Disaster Management Authority Director General Kamaluddin Qamar. In the meeting, GB Interior Secretary Sabtain Ahmed briefed the chief secretary regarding the security arrangements of Muharram.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2023