Daily Times

LAHORE: Ashura was observed with reverence in the provincial metropolis and all processions on Wednesday ended peacefully after passing through their traditional routes.

Processions were taken out from different imambargahs across the city where the participants paid homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions for the supreme sacrifices they offered in Karbala.

Thousands of mourners including children and women participated in different processions organised at more than 700 different places of provincial capital where strict security measures were taken by police
and volunteers.

The main and historic procession of Zuljinah was taken out from Mochi Gate Nisar Haveli on Tuesday night, which culminated at Karbala Gamay Shah on Wednesday night after passing through its traditional route. The procession passed through its traditional route of Mubarak Haveli, Mohalla Chehl Bibian, Imambargah Syed Wajid Ali Shah, Chowk Nawab Sahib, Koocha Qazi Khana, Imambargah Molvi Feroz Ali, Koocha Miskeenan, Mohalla Peer Gillanian, Imambargah Syed Rajab Ali Shah, Chau-Hatta Mufti Baqir, Chowk Kotwali, Kashmiri Bazaar, Sonehri Masjid, Dabbi Bazaar, Gumtti Bazaar (Rang Mahal Chowk), Syed Mittha Bazaar, Tehsil Bazaar, Bazaar Hakimaan, Ucchi Masjid and
Bhaati Chowk.

Besides main procession, several other small processions were taken out in Mughalpura, Islampura, Model Town, Shadman, Township, Gulshan-e-Ravi, Imamia Colony, Raiwind, Ali Town, Thokar Niaz Baig and Jaffria Colony

Foolproof security arrangements were made to ensure peace on the occasion. Closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and quadcopters were used by the city district government and police to ensure security. Similarly, a three-layer security set up was also made for mourners. Bomb disposal quads, equipped with scanners and metal detectors, remained on high alert throughout the day.

Meanwhile, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera has appreciated policemen for ensuing peaceful Ashura.

Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Captain (r) Amin Wains and DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf also appreciated policemen and thanked processions’ organisers, traders and civilian for cooperating
with police.

Despite threats of terror attack, the Punjab Police proved to be one of the best forces in world which have the ability to deal with any challenge in any situation. He expressed hope that Punjab Police would work with same spirit and dedication in future and would leave no stone unturned to maintain law and order in the province.