KARACHI: The martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions was peacefully commemorated on Friday as Youm-e-Ashura, the 10th day of the first Islamic month of Muharram, was observed amid heightened security measures. Tens of thousands of people thronged the streets throughout the city as part of over 650 large and small processions that merged ultimately into the main procession that had started from Nishtar Park at around 730am. Thousands of officials from the police, Rangers, scouts and volunteers performed security duties along the route of the procession. Continuing the traditional way of mourning the tragedy of Karbala, the organisers of the procession brought the Shabih Zuljinah, a horse associated with the snow-white stallion rode by Hazrat Imam Hussain to the battle of Karbala, alongside tazias and alams. Mourners beat their chests and participated in flagellation with razor sharp knives attached with chains to mourn the deaths of Hussain and his other family members and to curse the tyrannical regime of the time. Earlier, the participants of procession attended a majlis at Nishtar Park, where Maulana Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi highlighted the importance of Ashura in Islamic history. Thereafter, the participants offered Friday prayers at Imambargah Ali Raza near Numaish Chowrangi at 1:30pm. The procession culminated peacefully at Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar, after passing through its traditional route: Nishtar Park, Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Road, Mehfil-e-Shah- e-Khurasan, MA Jinnah Road, Mansfield Street, Preedy Street, Bolton Market, Bombay Bazar and Nawab Mahabat Khanji Road. The entry of vehicles and pedestrians on all roads and lanes connecting the route of the procession was blocked, besides all shops and markets along the route remained closed. Cellular services in the city remained suspended from Muharram 8th till Ashura, and pillion riding was also banned on the three days till the midnight of Ashura. Over 6,000 security personnel were deployed along the routes of the main procession in Karachi. Snipers were stationed in balconies of buildings lining the procession’s route as well as on rooftops of skyscrapers, from where they had an bird’s eye view of the procession. Sindh IGP Dr Syed Kaleem Imam lauded the efforts of the police officials and personnel for ensuring extra ordinary security measures during the first 10 days of Muharram. The IGP also praised the efforts of Sindh Rangers and other law enforcement agencies. He directed the police officials concerned to ensure similar security arrangements for the majalis and procession to be held in till Chehlum. Published in Daily Times, September 23rd 2018.