Youm-e-Ashura observed with religious fervour amid tight security

RAWALPINDI, Jun 27 (APP):Like the other parts of the country, Youm-e-Ashura was observed in Rawalpindi with deep religious devotion, reverence and solemnity.

In Rawalpindi thousands of mourners participated in processions and Majalis to pay tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and the martyrs of Karbala.

The city’s central Ashura procession followed its traditional route before culminating at the historic Imambargah Qadeemi. Thousands of mourners joined the procession, expressing their devotion through Noha Khawani (elegiac recitations), Matam (ritual mourning), and by paying respects through Tazias and Zuljanah processions.

Prominent religious scholars, while addressing Majalis-e-Aza, highlighted the religious, moral and humanitarian significance of the Battle of Karbala. They described the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) as an eternal symbol of truth, patience, perseverance and resistance against tyranny and injustice.

To ensure the peaceful observance of Ashura, Rawalpindi Police implemented extraordinary security measures across the district. More than 5,500 police officers and personnel were deployed to secure the central procession, while over 1,000 volunteers assisted in security duties. More than 1,200 traffic police officials were assigned at key intersections to ensure smooth traffic flow and facilitate commuters.

Walk-through gates were installed at all entry and exit points of the procession, and mourners were allowed to join only after thorough security screening. The Safe City Rawalpindi surveillance system, the Central Control Room and more than 2,000 CCTV cameras monitored the central procession and other mourning gatherings throughout the district. Expert snipers were also deployed on rooftops at sensitive locations as an additional security measure.

Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Babar Sarfraz Alpa, City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani, the SSP Operations, Chief Traffic Officer and other senior police officers remained in the field throughout the day, personally supervising security, traffic management and administrative arrangements while reviewing deployment at various locations.

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Provincial Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharth, the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and other senior government officials also visited the central procession route to inspect the security and administrative arrangements.

Speaking on the occasion, CPO Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani commended the professionalism and dedication of Rawalpindi Police for ensuring the peaceful observance of Ashura. He said the Punjab government’s directives and all standard operating procedures (SOPs) had been implemented in letter and spirit. He added that, in accordance with the directions of Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Kareem, Rawalpindi Police remained fully committed throughout Muharram to maintaining foolproof security.

The CPO also thanked the Pakistan Army, Rangers, district administration, peace committees, religious scholars, media representatives, the business community, civil society, volunteers and all relevant institutions for their effective coordination and cooperation in maintaining law and order and ensuring the peaceful observance of Youm-e-Ashura.

Meanwhile, Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 remained on high alert under a special emergency response plan, providing medical and rescue services at procession routes and congregation venues. On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, water stalls (Sabeels), medical camps and other essential public facilities were established to facilitate mourners.

All Ashura processions and Majalis-e-Aza across Rawalpindi concluded peacefully, with no major security incident reported.