PESHAWAR: The ninth Muharram procession was taken out peacefully here on Friday at a time when the provincial capital is almost sealed ahead of Ashura. Strict security arrangements were made in the city as the roads leading to the Peshawar Cantonment were closed for the ninth Muharram procession that emerged from the Hussainia Hall Imambargah and passed through its traditional route. The participants mourned and highlighted the martyrdom and sacrifices of Imam Hussain and his compatriots in Karbala for upholding the truth and defending Islam. Heavy contingents of police closed the main Saddar Road by placing concrete blocks and barbed-wire. The markets remained closed. The electronic monitoring of the procession and the areas falling on its route was done throughout on Friday following reports of fresh threats of possible acts of terrorism. Cabinet ministers, elected representatives, capital city police officer, senior superintendent of police and other officers inspected the security arrangements in Saddar for the Muharram procession. The cellular phone service is likely to be suspended in parts of Peshawar city and the surrounding areas as part of the security arrangements for Ashura today. The old Peshawar city has already been sealed and an online monitoring system was installed for keeping an eye on movement of suspicious people near the routes of the Ashura procession. The security was upgraded for Muharram after threats that terrorists are planning to carry out attacks on the Ashura procession. According to the police, 110 closed-circuit television cameras were installed as part of the strict security measures in the city. Peshawar, Kohat, Hangu and Dera Ismail Khan have been declared most sensitive from the security point of view during Muharram. Around 7,500 personnel of the police and other law-enforcement and security agencies have been deployed all over Peshawar to maintain peace and order during Muharram. The checking at the entry points to Peshawar has been increased while search and strike operations have been accelerated. HARIPUR: The Zuljinah and Alam procession of 9th Muharram culminated safely at Imambargah Qadeemia Muhallah Choki amid tight security with ban on pillion-riding. A large-number of people, including children participated in the mourning procession. The main procession for 9th Muharram was taken out from Imambargah Imamia Sajadia at Saein Saheli Road and ended safely at old Imambargah Qadeemia after passing through its traditional route of main bazaar amid tight security. The main bazaar and its link roads were sealed on Thursday evening. Dr Husnain Raza Turabi, speaking on the occasion, shed light on the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (RA) and His companions. He also condemned the act of terrorism in the country and announced full support of his community to Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies. Earlier, Akbar Khan Commissioner Hazara, Akhtar Hayat DIG Hazara, Tasleem Khan Deputy Commissioner along with police personnel inspected the traditional route of procession. The entry and exit points to the city remained under tight monitoring of police and other law enforcement agencies. BANNU: The 9th Muharram procession was taken out amid tight security here on Friday. The district administration had already issued directives for the enforcement of curfew till tomorrow (Saturday) 4pm. All the markets, hotels and shops would remain closed till then.
