Islamabad, Lahore, Karchi, Quetta (Staff Report/Agencies): The procession of 9th Muharram being held across the country amid tight security on Saturday.
Thousands of mourners have gathered at different locations to participate in the processions to pay tribute to Imam Hussain (AS) and his followers who sacrificed their lives for Islam at Karbala 1,400 years ago.
The main procession in Lahore departed from Nisar Haveli, Mochi Gate. It will pass through Mohalla Chehl Bibian, Imambargah Syed Wajid Ali Shah, Sunehri Masjid, Dabbi Bazaar, Tehsil Bazaar, Ucchi Masjid, Bhatti Chowk, and then culminate at the Karbala Gamay Shah.
In Quetta, the main procession left from Nasirul Azra Imam Bargah. Strict security measures have been taken with cellular services suspended in the city.
In Karachi, the main procession will proceed from Nishtar Park and will end at Hussainiya Iranian after going through its designated routes. Procession participants will offer noon prayers in front of Imambargah Ali Raza on MA Jinnah Road.
Strict security arrangements have been made, with the federal government announcing a two-day holiday. Cellular services are to be suspended in major cities along routes the mourning processions are set to pass through.
Police officials have been deployed in the cities with snipers posted at main procession routes. Procession route and surrounding streets and alleys have been cordoned off with containers.