ISLAMABAD: A large number of people participated in the 9th Muharram procession in the federal capital on Thursday amid tight security.

The main 9th Muharramul Haram procession began from Markazi Masjid G-6 after Zuhr prayers and culminated at the same place after passing through its designated route.

Several other processions were also held in the city at different timings, including in Barakahu, I-10 and along the Islamabad Express.

Traditional practices continued during the procession, including large numbers of sabeels, food stalls, as well as Alam, Tazia and Zuljinah processions.

A large number of Palestinian flags were also visible, while some people were seen selling portraits of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Apart from the generally peaceful environment, mild weather following early morning rainfall contributed to higher participation, including members of non-Shia and Christian communities from a non-regularised colony in G-6.

Residents of G-6 and G-7 had set up several sabeels, offering water and sherbet to passersby.

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon and Inspector General of Islamabad Police Syed Nasir Rizvi visited the procession to review security and administrative arrangements.

Talking to the media, IG Islamabad Syed Nasir Rizvi said the overall security situation in the country, particularly in Islamabad, has improved significantly. He added that security arrangements for Muharramul Haram had been underway for the past one and a half months.

“We have tried to make foolproof security for this procession and others on the 9th of Muharramul Haram,” he said, adding that around 16,000 personnel had been deployed, including police, Rangers and FC, while army contingents were kept on standby in case of any emergency.

He added that the security arrangements were made on the instructions of the Federal Interior Minister.

However, the extraordinary security measures, including sealing of the procession route with containers and blocking of streets and lanes in G-7, irked participants and residents.

Local residents said they were not allowed to participate in the procession or even stand on their rooftops. “The benefits of the defeat of terrorism should be reflected here on the street,” said Rizwan Farooq, a resident of G-7, adding that while earlier families hosted sabeels and even allowed participants to use their homes, they were now not even allowed to stand on balconies.

“This is not security, it is restriction,” he added.

Chief of MWM Allama Nasir Abbas Jafri participated in the procession in Islamabad. He said the philosophy of Karbala will continue until the Day of Judgement.

“It is a message of steadfastness against evil and tyranny,” he said, adding that superpowers of the present era should understand that those on the right path will ultimately be victorious.

Responding to questions, he said these were days of mourning and he would not comment on politics.

Similarly, Tehreek-i-Nifaz-i-Fiqh Jafariya (TNFJ) General Secretary Allama Basharat Imami said everyone was in mourning due to the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS). He said the message was clear that tyrants and oppressors never prevail, while those who remain steadfast on principles live forever.

He added that this philosophy also applied to foreign powers creating unrest and fanning terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that the blood of the innocent is never wasted.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, in a message on the occasion, paid tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the Ahl-i-Bait (AS), and the martyrs of Karbala, describing Ashura as one of the most defining chapters in Islamic history and an enduring symbol of courage, righteousness and moral conviction.

He said the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions transcends time, offering a universal lesson in dignity, perseverance and unwavering commitment to truth.

He noted that rather than submitting to tyranny and injustice, the martyrs of Karbala chose the path of honour and principle, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations worldwide.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2026