Inner Peshawar sealed off for Ashura security

PESHAWAR: Significant parts of the inner city in the provincial capital have been sealed off and roads blocked to enhance security during the final days of Ashura Muharram.

The eighth Muharram procession emerged from Koochi Bazaar and returned to the same imambargah, Najaf Ali Shah, after passing through various routes in the city. Extraordinary security measures were put in place for the Ashura processions.

Over 14,000 cops were on duty to ensure the security of Peshawar during Ashura.A special traffic plan was introduced, with roads from Kohati to Chowk Yadgar and Khyber Bazaar blocked using concrete barriers to secure processions and majalis during the last two days of Ashura. Traffic normally using these routes has been redirected to alternative roads.

Over 30 trade centers were closed until Wednesday, and additional police contingents were deployed.All procession routes are being swept by bomb disposal experts and sniffer dogs. Additional checkpoints were established in the city.