Thousands of Muslim Mourners Attend Muharram Processions in Pakistan (+Video)

Mourners took out processions country-wide amid tight security arrangements on Thursday, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) on Muharram 10.

Many processions are traditionally held during the month of Muharram, marking the martyrdom of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Hazrat Imam Hussein (AS), in 680 AD. Muharram is also the first month of the Islamic calendar.

A press release issued by Karachi Police Media Cell today (Thursday) said 6,368 police personnel, three companies of Rapid Response Force and 90 snipers of Special Security Unit had been deployed for the security of the main procession, the Dawn reported.

As many as 218 processions would be taken out in Karachi on Muharram 10, the press release said, adding that a total of 12,455 security personnel had been deployed across the city.

Moreover, more than 1,000 traffic police personnel had been deployed to guide commuters with regards to alternative routes, it said.

Security arrangements were also made for processions in other major cities, including Lahore, Peshawar and Islamabad.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi urged citizens in their separate messages to ensure compliance with coronavirus standard operating procedures.

According to Radio Pakistan, the premier and president also said on the occasion that the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions was a symbol of determination and perseverance.

Moreover, Imran Khan urged the nation to pay tribute to Imam Hussein (AS) by supporting the truth and thwarting every wicked tactic of the falsehood.

"Imam Hussein became a symbol of force against falsehood and strength for all movements fighting against tyranny in the times to come," Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying.

The Pakistani premier urged the nation "not to desist from sacrificing the life for the supremacy of the principles of truth and justice, for which Imam Hussein sacrificed his life".

Separately in a series of tweets, the Prime Minister's Office quoted him as saying that the "tragic and painful event" of Imam Hussein's martyrdom continued to sadden the Ummah even after centuries.

"Hundreds of years later, this wound, grief and event remains fresh," a tweet said.

The Pakistani prime minister recalled that "when Hazrat Imam Hussein (AS) refused to accept the oppression and tyranny of Yazid, he and his companions were martyred in the field of Karbala."

He added that Imam Hussein "embraced martyrdom but did not bow to oppression, and did not accept Yazid's rule. Imam Hussein set an example and proved that in the battle of truth and falsehood, one should always support the truth and should not hesitate to make sacrifices".

The prime minister was quoted in another tweet as saying that "We should never shy away from offering sacrifices for the sake of upholding the principles of Islam for which Imam Hussein offered martyrdom."

He said Imam Hussein's martyrdom gave the message that "even if falsehood is at its peak, it will be eradicated, and no matter how much the truth is suppressed, it persists".

"May Allah Almighty help us in renewing the spirit of Imam Hussein's martyrdom, sacrifice and righteousness," he added.

Israeli and US flags were also set on fire by the people attending the procession as the symbols of injustice.