RAWALPINDI: Youm-i-Ashur was observed peacefully in the garrison city on Sunday with traditional religious fervour to commemorate the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his 72 devoted companions in Karbala.
Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider, Punjab Minister for Communication and Works Malik Sohaib Ahmed Berth, along with RPO Babar Sarfraz Alpa, Commissioner Aamer Khattak, Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, and CPO Syed Khalid Hamdani visited the 10th Muharram procession.
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider stated that foolproof security is being provided for Ashura processions and majalis. He emphasised that Muharram is a month of peace and brotherhood, during which no one will be allowed to spread chaos.
He directed all institutions to perform their duties diligently and with coordinated efforts, just like they did on the eve of the 9th and 10th Muharram, to ensure the 11th Muharram procession concludes in peace.
Foolproof security arrangements were organised by the district administration and Rawalpindi police. The police, along with law enforcement agencies, worked to maintain law and order in the district. Members of the District Peace Committee also assisted the LEAs in the process.
In Rawalpindi, the main Youm-e-Ashur procession was taken out from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain Teli Mohallah, Imambargah Col Maqbool Hussain, and Imambargah Hifazat Ali Shah situated at Bohar Bazar.
The mourning procession passed through its traditional routes of Jamia Masjid Road, Sarafa Bazaar, Fawara Chowk, College Road, Liaquat Road, Babra Bazaar, Committee Chowk, Trunk Bazaar, Bara Market, and Bunni Chowk. Afterwards, mourners held ‘Sham-e-Gariban’ at Qadeemi Imambargah.
Later, the main Ashura procession reached Raja Bazaar and Purana Qila, where zuljinah processions from Imambargah Kashmirian Tyre Bazaar and Darbar Shah Chan Chiragh merged into the main procession. The main procession concluded at Imambargah Qadeemi after passing through Jamia Masjid Road and Imambara Chowk.
Tehreek-e-Nifaaz Fiqha Jafariya (TNFJ) Pakistan, led by Allama Agha Syed Hussain Muqaddasi, delivered a speech to mourners at Committee Chowk and addressed the media.
He highlighted that the meeting place of freedom fighters and the source of inspiration worldwide is Karbala and the essence of Hussain. He demanded that the Punjab government to revoke the anti-Azadari (mourning) SOPs issued by the previous administration, which are against fundamental rights.
He declared their commitment to ensure mourning is not limited and vowed to sacrifice everything to preserve it.
The Punjab government, he noted, has made good arrangements, but certain SOPs are not correct, and the change of seasons cannot stop or diminish mourning or the immortality of Imam Hussain in Karbala.
“Our beloved homeland, Pakistan, is the product of joint efforts and sacrifices of all schools of thought; the constitution guarantees equal rights to all, and discriminating against anyone violates the constitution,” he contended.
He demanded that the incidents of disturbing the mourners and the elements causing disrepute to the administration should be investigated and those found guilty be punished.
He further stated that government rules and regulations banning mourning in the federal government and especially in Punjab are obstacles to exercising religious rights; obstacles should not be erected in the path of mourning.
The TNFJ head insisted that members of banned parties be expelled from peace committees, while also paying tribute to Shia-Sunni unity during the ten days of Muharram. Rainwater accumulated on the routes of various processions, and Wasa cleared the rainwater before start of the mourning processions.
Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2025