9th Muharram processions pass off peacefully in KP

PESHAWAR: The 9th Muharram processions passed off peacefully in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid tight security and suspension of mobile phone service on Tuesday.

In the provincial capital, the main Saddar Bazaar remained sealed as the 9th Muharram procession was taken out from Imambargah Hussainia Hall on Saddar Road. The procession returned to the same place after passing through the traditional route.

Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Khan, Capital City Police Officer Qasim Ali Khan and other senior officials visited the command and control centre as well as routes of the processions to inspect security arrangements. Over 14000 cops were deployed for security in the provincial capital during Muharram.

On Tuesday, all the trade centres and shops in Saddar Bazaar remained closed while the roads leading to the route of the procession were blocked with concrete blocks.

Most parts of the inner city in Peshawar have been sealed as part of the upgraded security ahead of the Ashura. Over 30 trade centres were closed till Wednesday while more contingents of police were deployed. Officials said all the routes of the processions were being swept by the bomb disposal experts and sniffer dogs.

More checking points have been set up in the city and deployment of cops on the boundaries with the tribal districts has been increased.

The mobile phone service remained suspended in the provincial capital and many other districts as part of heightened security.

The officials said that the phone and internet services will also remain suspended today (Wednesday).

In Haripur, the 9th of Muharram was observed amid heightened security.

The Alam and Zuljanah procession was taken out from Imambargah Imamia Sajjadia Mohallah Motiyan that ended at Imambargah Gurdwara School in the main bazaar peacefully.

The mourners from different parts of the district and other cities participated and performed chest beating and self-flagellation on the route to the ending point.

The processions also pass off peacefully in Parachinar, Hangu, Kohat and other districts of the province.