PESHAWAR: Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, was peacefully observed as mourning processions were taken out to commemorate the martyrs of Karbala in provincial capital and other cities amid tight security on Friday.
In provincial capital, police had deployed around 11,000 personnel to ensure security of mourners and processions. In the evening Sham-e-Ghariban majalis were held at the imambargahs.
In Peshawar, more than 12 processions were taken out in the old city and all peacefully concluded after passing through their designated routes.
KP Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, visited the central Ashura procession route and the Supreme Command Post at Kohati on the occasion of Youm-e-Ashur to review the security and administrative arrangements.
Chief Minister reviews security arrangements; advanced surveillance and anti-drone systems deployed
A statement issued here said that during the visit, Mr Afridi was briefed on the operations of the provincial command and control centre, which remained functional round the clock throughout Muharram to ensure real-time coordination among all relevant departments.
Talking to reporters at this occasion, Mr Afridi expressed satisfaction over the overall security and administrative arrangements, noting that participants had appreciated the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by the police, district administration, municipal authorities and all supporting agencies.
“The peaceful observance of Ashura reflects the collective commitment, professionalism and coordinated efforts of all institutions involved,” he said, adding that every department had fulfilled its responsibilities with dedication and efficiency.
The chief minister also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the police, district administration, municipal institutions, rescue services and all other departments that remained engaged in ensuring peaceful conduct of Muharram processions and religious gatherings throughout the province.
In recognition of their exceptional services, he announced an honorarium for personnel deployed at the Supreme Command Post.
The chief minister further announced that permanent gateways would be constructed at six principal entry points to Peshawar walled city as part of the Peshawar Revitalisation Plan, aimed at preserving and restoring the city’s historic Walled City character.
Reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to public safety and institutional strengthening, the chief minister stated that enhancing the operational capacity of the police through modern equipment, advanced technology and improved resources has remained a priority since the beginning of his administration and will continue in the coming years.
Officials during briefing informed the chief minister that the Supreme Command Post had functioned as the province’s central coordination hub from the 1st of Muharram, facilitating continuous collaboration among twelve participating institutions including police, Rescue 1122, Pakistan army and intelligence agencies. Six additional command posts were also established across Peshawar to strengthen operational oversight.
The briefing highlighted that approximately 11,000 security personnel were deployed across Peshawar, while dedicated security arrangements were also made for religious scholars.
Up to the 8th of Muharram, 115 processions and 308 majalis had been conducted in the city.
On the 10th of Muharram, in addition to the central procession, 15 more processions and 10 majalis were held. Officials further informed the chief minister that nearly 90 percent of all processions and majalis were organised within the historic Walled City, where comprehensive multi-layered security arrangements were implemented.
All religious gatherings were monitored through an integrated surveillance system comprising CCTV cameras and drone technology.
For the first time, anti-drone systems were also deployed with the support of the provincial government to further strengthen aerial security measures. The briefing also confirmed that uninterrupted municipal services including sanitation, electricity and gas supply were maintained throughout Muharram.
Capital city police officer Dr Mian Saeed Ahmad in a statement issued here thanked citizens of Peshawar, religious figures, elected representatives and government officials for ensuring peace during.
He also appreciated the efforts of police personnel to ensure peace. The event was also observed with religious zeal and fervour in Mansehra, Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat and Abbottabad under tight security.
The Zuljinah, Alam (flag) and mourning processions were taken out in different parts of Mansehra to mark the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions.
In Kohat the mourners’ processions came out from the three imambargahs in the city of Kaloo, Syed Habib and central on Thursday night.
They culminated at their respective imambargahs on Friday while the main congregation was held at the Zargan square where the Shia ulema delivered speeches highlighting the great sacrifices laid by the family of the Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) in Karbala.
Meanwhile, dozens of processions coming out from various imambargahs on Hangu highway culminated peacefully on Saturday. The processions passed through various areas under the protection of army, frontier constabulary and police.
Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2026