ISLAMABAD: Amid extreme hot and humid weather conditions, the 9th Muharram procession in the federal capital witnessed a larger participation on Saturday. Contrary to the previous years, strong anti-Israel and anti-India sentiments were witnessed during the procession.

The main procession started from G-9 Markazi Imambargah and culminated at the same place after passing through the designated route in the G-9 sector.

A large number of Palestinian flags were visible in the procession carried by the participants along with Alam, Tazia and other traditions.

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Memon told media that preparations for the procession had started some time back to facilitate the mourners, including cleanliness and lighting arrangements.

Leaders criticise extraordinary security measures and say benefits of Pakistan’s victory against terror should reflect in routine life

With the deployment of around 5,000 police personnel along with FC and Rangers, the army was on a standby to meet any emergency situation.

IGP Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said there was no specific threat on the day; however, police had made arrangements to maintain high vigil during the 10 days of Muharram.

“Police conducted 71 search and sweep operations in 14 days before Muharram,” he said, adding these included rest houses, hotels, transport hubs, markets and densely populated areas.

He said joint operations were conducted with intelligence agencies at all sensitive places and modern technology was being used in the monitoring process.

However, leaders of the three mainstream political parties belonging to the Shia school of thought demanded easing of restrictions and security measures to facilitate the participants.

Allama Arif Hussain Wahidi, Vice President of Shia Ulema Council, speaking at the start of the procession criticised the extraordinary security measures and added that the benefits of Pakistan’s victory against terror had to be reflected in routine life.

“I have been contacted by scores of Sunni brethren and they are upset because the system does not allow them to actively participate in azadari processions,” Allama Wahidi said.

He also criticised the Punjab government for unannounced curbs on azadari.

Secretary General Tehreek Nifaz Fiqh-i-Jafariya Allama Basharat Emami said remembering Imam Hussain (AS) was not only related to any sect, nation or tribe, but to the whole of humanity. He added that Pakistan was established after rendering sacrifices and those who wanted to create divisions were the enemies of the country.

He too criticised the Punjab government for some restrictions imposed in the name of SOPs, adding majalis being held inside homes have also been banned.

“This is not fair and it will invite reaction from the people of Pakistan,” he added.

Meanwhile, Central General Secretary Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen (MWM) Syed Nasir Shirazi along with other leaders called for forging unity for which he called for easing of restrictions on azadari.

“It was unfortunate that both Shia and Sunni Muslims of Pakistan were under pressure from the state, and the authorities were trying to limit the religious freedom of the people. We demand openness to mourning processions as there was no sectarianism in Pakistan because members of Shia and Sunni communities live like brothers but authorities were creating walls by restricting entry to the Muharram processions.”

CDA chief visits Markazi Imambargah

CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Mohammad Ali Randhawa visited Markazi Imambargah Asna Ashri in G-6 before the procession.

According to a statement, he was briefed about the security plan chalked out by all stakeholders.

The IGP Islamabad informed him that in line with the directions Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, foolproof security arrangements were made which were being implemented in letter and spirit in consultation with management of Imambargah Asna Ashri, G-6.

The chief commissioner said that he was personally monitoring all the processions and directed all wings of the police to ensure foolproof security arrangements.

Attock

The 9th Muharram procession was taken out from the rural locality of Sheen Bagh in Attock amid strict security measures.

The procession was attended by a large number of mourners who participated in Noha recitation, chest beating (matam) and zanjeer zani. Water, milk and food stalls (sabeels) were set up along the route. A dedicated mobile medical team from DHQ hospital and Rescue 1122 was also deployed to provide on-the-spot medical assistance. The procession peacefully concluded at Imambargah Hussainia Sheen Bagh, after which a Majlis-i-Aza was held.

During the gathering, noted Zakireen highlighted the supreme sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S). They said Imam Hussain symbolises a profound philosophy and a way of life that clearly distinguishes between truth and falsehood. The tragedy of Karbala continues to inspire mankind to uphold righteousness, truth, and resistance against oppression.

— Amjad Iqbal contributed to this story from Taxila

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2025