Ashura observed in Punjab cities peacefully
In the city of Faisalabad Ashura was observed amid tight security in Punjab cities on Saturday. As many as 153 processions were taken out and 26 Majalis were held.
Heavily guarded by police and volunteers, the processions started emerging from various parts of the city early morning and later assembled at Clock Tower Chowk in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, talking to The News, City Police Officer Afzal Ahmad Kausar, who was monitoring the security arrangements, said that police had made foolproof security arrangements by deputing more than 7,000 policemen in addition to detailing 124 inspectors, 162 sub-inspectors, 462 ASIs, 18 DSPs and seven SPs. Moreover, 25 teams of Elite Force and Quick Relief Force also patrolled around the processions and Majalis, he added.
In the city of Gujranwala the main Alam and Zuljinah procession was taken out from Imambargah Gulistan-e-Marfat while about 86 small processions were also taken out from different Imambargahs across the city.
Strict security arrangements were made by police and the district administration to avoid any untoward incident. Heavy contingents of police and other forces were deployed at all the entry and exit points in sensitive areas to ensure security of the people. DCO Amir Jan and CPO Waqas Nazir visited the procession routes and inspected the arrangements.
In the city of Toba Tek Singh several processions of Tazia, Alam and Zuljinah were taken out from different areas and Majalis were held in Imambargahs to remember the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in Karbala.
The main procession was taken out from Imambargah Jhang Road and culminated at the same place after passing through its traditional route. The security measures taken for protection of the people were unprecedented as security checkpoints had been established at short distances and everyone had to cross three layers of security for reaching the venues of processions.
In the city of Hafizabad six processions of Tazia and Zuljinah were taken out in the city which gathered at Fawara Chowk where the mourners observed self-flagellation. Police had made strict security arrangements to avoid any untoward incident.
Meanwhile, the Jamaat Ahle Sunnat organised Shahadat-e-Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) conference at Markaz Ahle Sunnat, which was attended by thousands of people. Speaking on the occasion, Peer Syed Waseemul Hassan Naqvi urged the people to follow the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) for living a successful life. Syed Usman Shah, Peer Burhan Shah, Sahibzada Attaul Hussnain also addressed the conference.
In the city of Burewala the Alam, Tazia and Zuljinah possession was taken out from Markazi Imambargah Hussainia under the aegis of the Anjuman-e-Haideria on Saturday.
The Health Department, Rescue 1122 and Patients Welfare Society had set up their medical camps to provide medical treatment to the mourners. Police had chalked out a comprehensive security plan to avert any untoward incident.
In the city of Lalamusa Youm-e-Ashur was observed with reverence here on Saturday.
The main procession was taken out from Imambargah Qasr-e-Abu Talib, Railway Road. The small processions of Tazia and Alam merged into the main procession. The mourners offered Zohr and Asr prayers at Milad Chowk. The procession ended after marching through Main Bazaar Machli Chowk and Eidgah Road. Police had sealed the route of the procession.
In the city of Jhang district Police Officer Humayun Masood Sindhu while expressing satisfaction over the arrangements for peace in Muharram, especially during Ashura, praised the efforts of religious personalities of all sects, business community, organisers of processions and Majalis, Pak Army, police and other security agencies.
Talking to newsmen here on Sunday, he said that police heaved a sigh of relief as Ashura processions ended peacefully in the district metropolis. He said that Ashura processions and Majalis in the district were held in congenial environment while ideal atmosphere of fraternity and integrity was witnessed among all schools of thought during the day.
Meanwhile, Fesco Jhang division Executive Engineer Operations Syed Saleem Shah appreciated the efforts of all SDOs operations of Civil Lines and other sub-divisions for ensuring duty rostrum in letter and spirit during Ashura. He said that the Fesco line staff worked in three shifts round-the-clock to ensure uninterrupted power supply as desired by the district and police administration.
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