Tag: AShura

  • Processions underway across Pakistan amid tight security as mobile services remains disabled

    Processions underway across Pakistan amid tight security as mobile services remains disabled

    Ashura Muharram processions are being held nationwide today to commemorate the great sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and Karbala martyrs.

    On the day of Hazrat Hussain’s (RA) martyrdom in Karbala by the Yazidi army, funeral gatherings are being organised in various cities, and processions are being conducted.

    Stringent security arrangements have been implemented across the country, with mobile phone services also shut down in many cities.

    Karachi:

    The main procession of 10th Muharram started from Nishtar Park in Karachi and is proceeding along its traditional route, passing through MA Jinnah Road, Tibet Center, and concluding at Hussainia Iranian Kharadar.

    Mobile phone services are disrupted in several areas of the city today, and there is a prohibition on double riding of motorcycles, display of weapons, use of helicams, and flying drones in the city.

    Lahore:

    The main Ashura Day procession in Lahore commenced from Nisar Haveli within Mochi Gate and will culminate at Karbala Game Shah this evening.

    Mobile phone services will remain suspended today only in procession and assembly areas throughout Punjab.

    Peshawar:

    Twelve processions have been initiated from different Imam Bargahs in Peshawar, with the first procession commencing from Imam Bargah Syed Ali Shah Rizvi.

    Security for the processions involves 14,000 deployed police officers, bomb disposal units clearing procession routes, and closure of cellular and mobile phone services along all procession routes.

    Quetta:

    In Quetta, mobile phone services are suspended, and double riding of motorcycles is prohibited. The main procession will follow designated routes and conclude at Imam Bargah Hazara Nasirabad before Maghrib prayer.

    Islamabad:

    The main Ashura Day procession in Islamabad began from Imambargah Colonel Maqbool and will conclude at Imambargah Al-Padiq following designated routes.

    In Rawalpindi, the Ashura Day procession started from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain Teli Mohalla, with partial suspension of mobile phone services in surrounding areas.

    Mobile phone and internet services have been shut down in Muzaffarabad on Ashura Day.

  • Muharram holidays announced

    Muharram holidays announced

    The federal government on Tuesday announced two-day public holidays for Muharram 9 and 10.

    “[…] the Prime Minister is pleased to declare 16th and 17th July, 2024 (Tuesday and Wednesday) as public holidays on the occasion of Ashura (9th & 10th Moharram 1446 AH),” a notification issued by the Cabinet Division stated.

    The government also approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army across the country as a security measure during the Holy Month.

    The interior ministry stated that the details of troop deployment, which will be enforced for an indefinite period, will be finalised with the authorities concerned, including the governments of Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad.

    Punjab government has requested the federal government to suspend social media platforms for one week.

    However, the federal government has not yet taken any decision to suspend internet services during Muharram and any decision in this regard will be taken with the consultation of provinces.

  • Bibi Zainab (RA) remains a powerful feminist icon for commemorating the tragedy of Karbala

    Bibi Zainab (RA) remains a powerful feminist icon for commemorating the tragedy of Karbala

    The month of Muharram is a time of collectively mourning the heroic sacrifices of the Prophet’s family at the battle of Karbala. Among the many heroic figures there was Bibi Zainab (RA), the sister of Hassan and Hussain (RA) and daughter of Hazrat Ali.

    Had it not been for Zainab, that the tragedy of Karbala would have remained unknown because of the propaganda campaign Yazid and his followers launched to justify their crimes.

    Her efforts to preserve the incident in history ensured that generations ahead would remember the sacrifices of Hussain (RA).

    The third child of Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Fatima, Zainab stood beside her brother when he refused to swear allegiance to Yazid’s caliphate. It was these actions that drove Hussain and his followers out of Madinah to travel to Kufa.

    After the martyrdom of Hussain (RA), the camps were looted as tents comprising of women and children were set on fire and they were bound in chains, paraded barefoot back to Kufa and then Damascus, Syria, where they were thrown in to prisons. It was at this time that Zainab (RA) took control and became a voice for the people. She lost two sons, her brothers and nephews to the tragedy of Karbala, but rose to the occasion to ensure that the events are never forgotten.

    At Yazid’s palace in Damascus, Zainab (RA) gave a rousing speech, that has regarded her to this day as ‘The Hero Of Karbala’

    “In the name of Allah, The most Gracious, the most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. May praise and salutations be upon my grandfather, the leader of Allah’s messengers and upon his progeny. O Yazid! Do you think that we have become humble and despicable owing to the martyrdom of our people and our own captivity? Do you think that by killing the godly persons you have become great and respectable and the Almighty looks at you with special grace and kindness? You have, however, forgotten what Allah says: The disbelievers must not think that our respite is for their good We only give them time to let them increase their sins. For them there will be a humiliating torment. (Quran 3:178)

    O son of the freed ones! Is it justice that you keep your women and slave-girls in seclusion but have made the helpless daughters of the Holy Prophet ride on swift camels and given them in the hands of their enemies so that they may take them from one city to another. It will be the day when Allah will deliver the descendants of the Holy Prophet from the state of being scattered and will bring all of them together in Paradise. This is the promise which Allah has made in the Holy Quran. Do not think of those who are slain for the cause of Allah as dead. They are alive with their Lord and receive sustenance from Him.(Quran 3:169)

    Our blood is dripping from their hands and our flesh is falling down from their mouths.

    You (Yazid) may employ your deceit and cunning efforts, but I swear by Allah that the shame and disgrace which you have earned by the treatment meted out to us cannot be eradicated.”

    The speech completely moved members of Yazid’s court, listening to a battered and chained woman recount how Hussain (RA) was not an enemy, but a hero who had died protecting the nature of Islam and for righteousness to succeed over evil. Many stood up and protested against Yazid’s tyranny, as a result of which they were removed from court.

    Zainab bore the heavy task of ensuring that the events of Karbala are not lost to propaganda of Yazid, reminding everyone how the fearlessness of her father and her grandfather, Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was also present within her. She set up the first majlis in Syria after she was freed, and recounted to throngs of people the events of Karbala and how all the martyrs ensured that the legacy of Hussain (RA) as someone who fought for justice, lives on.

  • Muharram 9, 10: Mobile services suspended in multiple areas to ensure safety

    Muharram 9, 10: Mobile services suspended in multiple areas to ensure safety

    On July 28, mobile services were suspended in several parts of Pakistan in observance of Ashura (Muharram 9), as part of precautionary measures taken by the authorities to maintain peace and avoid any potential untoward situations during this significant religious event.

    In Islamabad, the Ministry of Interior requested the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to enforce the suspension of mobile services not only on Muharram 9 but also extend it to Muharram 10 and 11.

    As per the directives, mobile service remained unavailable in sectors G6 and G7 from 1 pm to 10 pm on Muharram 9. Additionally, in Sector 10-I and adjoining areas, the services were blocked from 6 pm to 6 am on the following day.

    On Muharram 11, mobile phone services were suspended in Shah Allah Ditta from 2 am to 7 pm, and in the areas surrounding Noorpur Shahan/Bari Imam, the suspension was in effect from 12 pm to 7 pm.

    In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sources from the provincial home department informed Geo News that mobile services would remain suspended in 14 districts on Muharram 9 and 10, including Sadar, Pishtakhara, Hassan Ghari, inner city Peshawar, Mardan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohat, Hangu, and Bannu. The mobile service suspension continued until 10 pm on these days to ensure a peaceful Ashura observance.

    Similarly, local authorities in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, decided to suspend mobile services on Muharram 9 and 10 to prevent any potential disturbances during the religious event.

    Additionally, the provincial government of Balochistan had already imposed a ban on pillion riding in the Quetta division from Muharram 1 to Muharram 12 (July 28 to August 8) as an added security measure.

    In Karachi, the PTA had previously announced a partial suspension of mobile services in some areas until Muharram 10 (July 29). However, the suspension was extended to Muharram 8 and was expected to remain in effect on Muharram 9.

    Moreover, in Lahore and Sindh, authorities enforced a ban on pillion riding during the observance of Ashura on July 28.

    It’s important to note that despite the temporary disruption of mobile services, landline and cable net services continued to operate without interruption.

    These measures were taken to ensure the safety and security of the public during the important religious commemoration of Ashura on July 28, 2023.

  • Youm-e-Ashur being observed today: President, PM share messages

    Youm-e-Ashur being observed today: President, PM share messages

    Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram, is being observed today with reverence and religious fervour throughout the country. Every year, this day is observed to remember the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions. Mourning processions will be taken out in all cities and towns of the country.

    Mourning processions:

    In Lahore, main Shabih-e-Zuljinah procession of 10th Muharram will be carried out from Nisar Haveli inside Mochi Gate of Old Walled City and will culminate at Karbala Gaamay Shah on Tuesday evening, where Shaam-e-Ghareeban will be held.

    In Karachi, Youm-e-Ashur’s main procession will be carried out from Nishtar Park after Majalis in the morning, which will conclude after passing through the traditional routes at Imam Bargah-e-Hussainan Iranian at Maghrib.

    Security:

    Strict security arrangements have been put up along the routes of the procession.

    In Punjab, more than 900 CCTV cameras have been installed along routes of main processions and other sensitive areas to keep a strict check on any doubtful activity and more than 10,000 police officers and security personnel, including 370 female authorities are on duty today.

    Pakistan Rangers Sindh, Police and other law enforcement agencies personnel have been deployed on the routes to provide security, while the roads and streets have been sealed in the procession route.

    Cellular services have also been partially suspended in different cities

    President, PM’s messages:

    President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have shared separate messages to mark Ashura.

    President Alvi in his message remembered the sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions.

    The Prime Minister in a tweet said, “As humanity navigates multiple challenges & seeks to break the logjam it finds itself in, it must seek guidance from the exemplary character of Imam Hussain (RA) & his companions. The virtues of patience, loyalty, unity & tolerance can defeat the forces of division, chaos & anarchy.”

    Other Politicians:

    Other politicians including Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Chief Minister of Punjab (CM) Pervaiz Elahi shared messages on the day of Ashura.

  • Ashura to be observed on August 9

    Ashura to be observed on August 9

    The Muharram crescent was not sighted yesterday (29 July). The first of Muharram will fall on Sunday (July 31). Youm-e-Ashur will be observed on August 9 (Tuesday), the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced on Friday.

    The meeting for the sighting of the moon was presided over by committee chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad.

    The statement released by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on July 29 says: “In pursuance of the decision of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, in its meeting held today at Quetta, the federal government in the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony hereby announce that the moon of the Muharram-ul-Haram 1444 AH has not sighted, therefore the 1st Muharram-ul-Haram shall commence from Sunday (July 31).”

     The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in the province to maintain law and order during the first 10 days of Muharram.

  • Blast outside Bahawalnagar Imambargah kills 3, injures 35

    At least three people have been killed in a blast that occurred outside an Imambargah in Bahawalnagar on Thursday, Pakistan Television (PTV) News has reported.

    According to reports, 35 people have been injured in the blast. The injured have been moved to a nearby hospital and police has sealed the area. One suspect has been arrested from the location.

    A Shiite leader, Khawar Shafqat, while talking to AP News confirmed the bombing. As per Shafqat, the explosion took place when a procession of Shiite Muslims was passing through a congested neighbourhood of Muhajir Colony.

  • PM Khan, President Alvi and others share messages to mark Ashura

    Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi have shared messages to mark Ashura.

    PM Khan urged the nation not to desist from sacrificing their lives for the supremacy of the principles of truth and justice for what Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) sacrificed his life, Radio Pakistan has reported.

    He further urged people to pay tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) by supporting truth and justice, besides thwarting every falsehood.

    President Dr Arif Alvi urged the nation to rise above hatred, malice and sectarianism in line with the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).

    He said the nation should prepare for all kinds of sacrifices as a metaphor for determination.

    Other politicians including Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif, ministers Fawad Chaudhry and Asad Umar shared messages on the day of Ashura.

  • Mobile service suspension on Ashura

    Mobile service suspension on Ashura

    The Punjab government has decided to suspend cellphone and wireless phone services in the areas surrounding the routes of Muharram 9 and 10 (Saturday and Sunday) processions, a notification stated.

    Multiple reports suggest the government has been proposed to suspend the service only in the areas where Majalis and the Muharram procession would be held.

    According to the notification, the Punjab government has sought timings and further details from the district administrations of the seven cities — Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Jehlum, Chiniot, Okara and Bahawalpur — where cellular services will be suspended.

    The notification also directs district administrations to keep the provincial government in the loop while taking steps in this regard. It further says to send timings, during which the service will remain unavailable, to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

    It is worth mentioning that mobile services are suspended every year during Ashura as part of security measures. However, it is expected that people will face fewer problems as the federal government has declared the two days as public holidays.

    In the past, mobile phone service used to remain suspended till the processions reach their respective destinations, but for the last few years, it was observed that the service was suspended in the selective areas or for less duration as the security situation has improved over the years.