Islamabad, Pakistan | Date: Saturday, July 5, 2025– Pakistan is solemnly observing the 9th Muharram today to commemorate the supreme sacrifice made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and his devoted companions in the historic battle of Karbala nearly 1,400 years ago. Across the country, majalis are being held, and processions of Tazia and Alam are taking place with deep religious fervor and respect.
Nationwide Security Heightened for Peaceful Observance
To ensure peaceful observance of the 9th Muharram, authorities have enforced stringent security protocols throughout the country. Following the special directives of Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, a mobile control room has been established for the first time in Islamabad as part of the Ashura security plan. Remarkably, this mobile unit is equipped to function without mobile signals, thereby facilitating uninterrupted monitoring and coordination of all security efforts.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies across major cities including Lahore, Karachi, Multan, and Bahawalpur have deployed thousands of police officers and volunteers. In Multan alone, over 3,700 police officers and 1,275 volunteers have been stationed to ensure the safety of mourners and prevent any untoward incident.
Processions and Majalis Across Major Cities
Lahore: Heartfelt Tributes and Historic Gatherings
In Lahore, the central 9th Muharram procession began from Pando Street. Thousands of mourners attended the procession where Allama Qamar Abbas Mujahid recounted the ordeal faced by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his loyal companions. Another procession also commenced from Qasre Batool Imam Bargah in Shadman Colony.
Multiple majalis were held in the city, drawing large numbers of participants. At Imambargah Atia Ahle Bait on Nicholson Road, Allama Absar Naqvi delivered an emotional sermon, shedding light on the sacrifices made at Karbala. Meanwhile, Maulana Syed Sajjad Haider Naqvi addressed mourners at another majlis, elaborating on the spiritual and religious stature of Ahle Bait in Islam.
Multan: A Day of Reverence and Vigilance
In Multan, as many as 80 processions were taken out to mark the 9th Muharram, accompanied by 166 majalis held across the city. The primary procession began from Imambargah Hussaini in Mumtazabad, followed by several others from different localities, including Jinnah Street, Tughluq Road, Jamal Shah, and Suraj Miani. Notably, a procession from Darbar Sakhi Sultan will commence at 8:00 PM.
Security in the city was kept tight with thousands of law enforcement officials ensuring the safety of mourners. Volunteers also played a significant role in crowd management and assistance.
Karachi: Grand Procession from Nishtar Park
In Karachi, the main 9th Muharram procession was taken out from Nishtar Park after a majlis addressed by Allama Shehenshah Hussain Naqvi. The mourners offered Namaz-e-Zohrain at Imambargah Ali Raza before continuing through the traditional route: Numaish, Sadar, Radio Pakistan, Jamia Cloth, and finally reaching Husainia Iranian.
Additional processions also emerged from Bab-e-Fatima Imambargah, where Maulana Muhammad Ali Naqvi spoke to a large gathering. Heavy contingents of police and Rangers were deployed around the imambargahs and along procession routes. To bolster security, a monitoring room has been established at Soldier Bazaar, while the road connecting Liaquat No.10 to Teen Hatti has been temporarily closed.
Unique Observances in Other Cities
Bahawalpur and Uch Sharif
In Bahawalpur, a central procession moved from Beri Wala Chowk, Shahdara, and is expected to culminate at the Shia Jamia Mosque near Zanana Hospital by 4:00 PM. Meanwhile, in Uch Sharif, a mourning procession for Hazrat Abbas Alamdar (AS) started from Imambargah Mohalla Khawajgan.
Rohri and Mianwali
Rohri saw the traditional Nodhala Tazia procession emerge from the 550-year-old Karbala-e-Muala. Meanwhile, Mianwali continued its century-old unique tradition of taking out a 9th Muharram procession on boats from Marri Indus to Wandha Kakrran. Participants, wearing life jackets for safety, distributed nyaz and returned to Marri, repeating this practice throughout the day.
Mityari and Jhang
In Mityari, mourners expressed their devotion by walking on fire after digging a 20-feet-deep trench filled with burning wood. Despite the intense ritual, security arrangements ensured safety. In Jhang’s Dabakran locality, mourners gathered to witness the traditional old Tazia, a significant part of their Muharram observance.
Conclusion
The 9th Muharram is being observed with unmatched devotion and unity across Pakistan. From the urban streets of Karachi to the riverbanks of Mianwali, the country resonates with tributes to the martyrs of Karbala. Amid intense security and spiritual gatherings, the message of sacrifice, patience, and standing up against tyranny echoes loud and clear.
As the 9th Muharram began mourners reflect on the lessons of Karbala, the nation stands united in honoring Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions for their unwavering commitment to truth and justice.
