Masjid and Bhaati Chowk.
Before the start of the procession, a Majlis-e-Aza was held in which masaaibs were narrated by renowned Zakirin. The majlis was preceded by recitations by various Noha Khwans who paid tributes to the martyrs of Karbala. Large number of chest beating and noha reciting mourners participated in the majlis who later joined the procession and also observed self-flagellation. A large number of Sabeels of juices, milk and water were set up along the route to facilitate the mourners. Besides, a number of banners calling for Muslim unity were erected by different political and social workers and other office-bearers of district government.
All markets and businesses were closed on the occasion of Ashura while press issued special supplements and electronic media aired special programmes to mark the significance of the event. The Lahore administration have made extra security measures in view of the ongoing wave of terrorism and the threats posed by neighbouring countries, which figured prominently in the warning issued to the government by the intelligence agencies fearing possible terrorists' strike at the Muharram gatherings.
Besides the suspension of mobile phone service in sensitive areas, the police, rangers and army jawans kept patrolling different areas while special forces personnel had taken positions on the rooftops of the buildings along the route to keep an eye on miscreants. In addition to that, army helicopters also kept monitoring of the procession along their routes. The route of the procession has been closed for the general public and pedestrians, while Law enforcing agencies personnel have blocked the roads entering the main route of the procession. Local residents entering the route to reach their houses and shops are being thoroughly searched.
Special security gates and scanners have been placed at the entrances of Imambargahs for searching the participants. The residents of the buildings along the route have been barred from opening their windows and coming to roofs but women and children have been allowed to watch the procession from windows. The town administrations of Data Town has put up extra lights along the route to brighten the area to facilitate the security personnel in maintaining law and order specially at night. Town nazims and other office-bearers also kept inspecting the situation at different points of the route to ensure peace.
After the culmination of the procession, a Majlis-e-Sham-e-Ghariban will be held inside Karbala Gamay Shah in which noted Zakerin will highlight the importance of the sacrifice by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions.
Ambulances by city district government and various other relief organisations are provided for transporting the wounded to the hospitals while the volunteers will provide first aid to the mourners during and after the mourning.