ISLAMABAD, March 24: The 9th Muharram processions in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Sunday passed peacefully. Thousands of mourners participated in the processions to pay tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his followers who sacrificed thier lives for Islam at Karbala some seven centuries ago.

Security remained on high alert in the federal capital as troops and anti-riot police patrolled major roads of the city when the main Zuljinah procession marched through its traditional route.

The procession was taken out from central Imambargah in G- 6/2 which was later joined by smaller processions reaching from Rawalpindi and other adjoining areas of the Capital. It was also joined by processions taken out from Imam Hussain Mosque G-10, Barakahu village and other suburban parts of the area. Several Majalis-i-Aza were held at the residences of the faithfuls.

In the Majalis the philosophy of sacrifice of the Sadaat and Ahl-i-Bait was highlighted and participants were exhorted upon to shun sectarian differences to pave the way for complete unity among followers of all the schools of thought.

The speakers also referred to the problems faced by the Muslim world, especially Palestine. They noted that unless and until all Muslims of the world forged unity, their collective problems would remain unresolved.

Ambulances of government hospitals and private-charity organizations kept following the procession.

The Islamabad administration has already enforced section 144 in the Capital and banned pillion-riding.

The mourners also took part in Zanjeerzani near Lal Quarters, G-6/2. There were stalls erected at different points on the procession route which served food and drinks to the mourners. They braved the strong gales of wind and heavy rains that lashed the twin cities.

About a dozen small and big procesions were also taken out from different Imambargahs in Rawalpindi.

The main procession was brought out from Imambargah Col Maqbool, College Road, whereas small processions were brought out from Imambargah Hifazat Ali Shah, Imambargah Shahedan-i-Karbala, Imambargah Yadgar-i-Hussain Satellite Town, Imambargah Ashiq Hussain Tehli Mohallah and Imambargah Qaisar Sajjad, Tench Bhatta.

The main Ashura procession will be taken out from Imambargah Colonel Maqbool in Rawalpindi on Monday.