Shiites of Karachi observed Ashura amid strict security measures
Karachi: Commemorated with great religious zeal and fervour amid serious security threats, the mourning processions taken out on Ashura peacefully culminated after passing through the traditional designated routes.
To pay homage to the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA) and his 72 companions during the battle of Karbala, the mourners started gathering at the Hussainian Iranian Imambargah, Kharadar – the starting and the end point of the processions taken out on both 9th and 10th Muharram – at around 10am in the morning.
Given the looming threat of a terrorist attack on the processions, a total of 64,414 policemen and 7,408 Rangers were deployed across the province Sindh on for the security of processions and gatherings on the 10th of Muharram, especially in 216 “most-sensitive” areas.
All entry points to the MA Jinnah road were sealed from the 7th of Muharram, whereas CCTV cameras were installed along the route of the procession for close monitoring, aerial surveillance was also carried out by security agencies.
Followed by the end of the processions, the mourners attended various Sham-e-Ghareeban Majalis after saying the Maghrib prayers.
MWM protest
With over 30 precious lives lost to two separate bomb attacks during the first 10 days of Muharram this year, the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) held a demonstration at the Numaish Chowrangi, after the culmination of the 10th Muharram procession, to condemn the attacks as well as the failure of the federal and provincial governments to maintain foolproof security, despite considerable threats to the Shia community.
Leaders and supporters of the MWM urged the Sindh government to stop “providing cover to terrorists”, and arrest the culprits immediately, while also calling for compensation for the deceased and the injured to be paid on a priority basis.
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