RAWALPINDI: Like other parts of the country, the martyrdom day of Hazrat Ali (AS) was observed with devotion and respect in the garrison city and Gilgit-Baltistan on Saturday.

Various mourning processions were brought out and the central mourning procession was led by Tehreek Nifaz-i-Fiqa Jafariya chief Allama Agha Syed Hussain Muqaddasi.

The procession was taken out from Mohanpura on the night between Friday and Saturday. A procession was also taken out from Ali Masjid Satellite Town by the Aza Committee of Tehreek-i-Nafaz-i-Fiqh Jafariya.

Another procession was brought out from Imambargah Asna Ashri Gracy Line, Chaklala, which passed through its designated routes and ended after returning back to the Imambargah. The mourning group Dua-i-Zainab (AS) and other organisations of the city participated.

Strict security measures were put in place for the peaceful conduct of mourning processions and ceremonies

Foolproof security arrangements were made by law enforcement agencies. Members of the district peace committee also assisted the law enforcement agencies in the process. Massive search operations were carried out across the district.

Mourning ceremonies were also held at Imambargah Qasre Khadijatul Kubra, Imambargah Gracy Line, Imambargah Shah Chan Chiragh and Imambargah Qasr-i-Imam Musa Kazim.

Earlier, Allama Syed Qamar Haider Zaidi addressed the ceremony and narrated the virtues and sufferings of Hazrat Ali (AS).

During the mourning ceremonies and processions held in Rawalpindi, special arrangements were made by the police, district administration, Mukhtar Force, Ibrahim Scouts and other welfare organisations.

Mukhtar Students Organisation set up a camp during the procession in Kashmiri Bazaar, where ‘Sabeel Hussain’ was arranged for the mourners.

Gilgit-Baltistan

Youm-i-Ali was also observed in various areas of Gilgit-Baltistan with religious zeal and devotion.

Mourning processions were taken out from different Imambargahs in Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar, Skardu, Shigar, Kharmang and Ghanche districts.

The central processions taken out from Imambargah Dalhpura Gilgit, passed through traditional routes and culminated at Markazi Jamia Masjid Gilgit.

Tight security arrangements were made to protect the processions.

Police and law enforcement personnel were deployed on the routes of the processions. After passing through traditional routes, mourning processions culminated peacefully.

Speaking at the mourning ceremonies, religious scholars shed light on the life of Hazrat Ali (AS) and termed his life a role model.

Speakers urged to follow the teachings of Hazrat Ali (AS) and called upon the Ummah to follow in his footsteps.

Gilgit-Baltistan government had announced a local holiday except for the education and health department.

Meanwhile, an important meeting was held at the central police office in Gilgit, chaired by Gilgit-Baltistan Inspector General of Police (IG) Afzal Mahmood Butt to review the security arrangements for the important events falling in the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramazan.

In the meeting, the DIGs of various ranges briefed the IG about the security arrangements made in their respective regions.

The IG issued instructions stating that security should be tightened at the entry and exit points of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Additionally, the checking of those entering and leaving hotels should be made effective.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2025