KARACHI/LAHORE/RAWALPINDI, JUL 6: Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, is being observed across the country today with religious devotion and solemnity, in remembrance of the supreme sacrifice made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted companions in Karbala.
The day marks the undeterred resilience of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) grandson, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his family and devoted companions who all fought to uphold Islam amid opposition and cruelty.
The processions are being taken out in all the cities and towns of the country with people performing mourning rituals to mark Ashura.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made across the nation to avoid any untoward incident and ensure safety and security during the processions.
Last week, the Ministry of Interior approved the nationwide deployment of the Pakistan Army and civil armed forces (CAFs) to bolster security during the holy month.
Meanwhile, mobile phone and internet services remain suspended in various cities as part of the security measures.
Karachi
The main procession in the port city was taken out from Nishtar Park after Majalis that continued through the night of 9th Muharram.
After passing through its traditional route, the procession is set to culminate at Bargah Hussainian Iranian Kaharadar in this evening, which marks Sham-e-Ghareeban.
As part of the security arrangements in the city, a ban remains in place on pillion riding.
Meanwhile, the MA Jinnah Road is closed for traffic with markets and shops in areas like Saddar, Empress Market and Regal Market sealed to ensure fool proof security on and around the main mourning procession’s route.
Lahore
In Lahore, the main mourning procession commenced from Nisar Haveli at Mochi Gate, which after passing through its traditional route. It will culminate at Karbala Gaamay Shah in the evening to hold Shaam-e-Ghareeban.
Rawalpindi
The main “zuljanah” procession will commence from Imam Bargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain and culminate at Qadeemi Imam Bargah after the maghrib prayer.
On the directions of Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Engineer Aamir Khattak, police have deployed 5,500 police officials all around Rawalpindi to avoid any bad incident.
President, PM pay tribute to Imam Hussain (RA)
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their messages on 10th Muharram, paid rich tribute to the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions, saying that the day of Ashur gives us a message of sacrifice, truthfulness, sincere determination, and standing up for the truth.
Commemorating this historic day, President Zardari called upon the nation to follow the path of Imam Hussain (RA) and not only reform itself but also base the governance system, social attitudes and national priorities on honesty, decency and public welfare.
“The Day of Ashur is a bright and immortal chapter in Islamic history, which gives us a message of sacrifice, truthfulness and sincere determination”.
He said: “This day reminds us of the great martyrdom of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his devoted companions. This day is a symbol of an eternal struggle against falsehood.”
“Not only a war was fought on the land of Karbala, but there was a test of conscience, character and the true spirit of religion. Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions, by accepting the severity of hunger, thirst and death, gave a lesson to the history of humanity that time can never forget.” he added.
“Their message is still alive today and it is a profound message of standing firm on principles, not bowing down to oppression and coercion and making every sacrifice for the sake of truth,” the president remarked.
“We have to pledge today that we will make Pakistan a manifestation of Imam Hussain (RA)’s message of freedom and justice and promote brotherhood, love, tolerance and national unity,” he added.
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, urged the nation to take guidance from the life and character of Imam Hussain (RA) to overcome internal and external challenges and keep Pakistan on the path of peace, unity and progress.
“Ashura is a profound and instructive day in the history of Islam, which gives us the great lesson of patience, sacrifice and standing firm on principles. This day will continue to illuminate the conscience of humanity till the Day of Judgment,” he said.
“The battle that took place on the battlefield of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram is not an ordinary battle, but an eternal message for the entire world,” he remarked.
“This great sacrifice of his reminds us that protecting principles and standing firm on the truth requires great courage and unwavering faith,” he asserted.
The prime minister said: “The incident of Karbala teaches us that although the path of truth is difficult, it is the path that leads to the pleasure of Allah Almighty, satisfaction of hearts and eternal welfare. The message of the Supreme Imam is not limited to his time, but is a universal message, which even today convinces us that a Muslim stands for the truth, supports the oppressed, and supports justice in all circumstances.”
“We have to adopt qualities such as honesty, tolerance, patience, sacrifice and principledness in our national life. From individual attitudes to state policies, if we chart our course in the light of Karbala, Pakistan can become a welfare, just and self-reliant state that not only represents the aspirations of its people but also sets an example for the world,” he remarked.
“I pray that Allah Almighty keeps Pakistan on the path of peace, unity and progress, and protects Pakistan from internal and external tribulations and grants it stability, and gives us the knowledge and wisdom with which we can move towards a bright and dignified future. Amen,” he concluded.
— With additional input from APP
