- Imran Khan said on Ashura day that the “incident of Karbala” offers lessons in sacrifice
- Processions have been monitored by CCTV cameras, helicopters are also being used for security
ISLAMABAD: Members of Pakistan’s Shia community are observing Ashura day across the country amid tight security.
The day has been marked with various rituals and mourning processions.
Authorities beefed-up security arrangements during Muharram, given the history of sectarianism in Pakistan.
Processions are being held across cities in Pakistan, while tens of thousands of police and law enforcement officials have been deployed to provide security.
Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan sent a message for the day, saying that the “incident of Karbala” offers a lesson to be prepared for sacrifice for the attainment of greater objectives. “Hazrat Imam Hussain’s immortal sacrifice is a fine example of steadfastness and persistence and a guiding principle for our lives,” Khan said.
The authorities shut down cellular networks in certain sensitive places such as Balochistan, and the Pakistan Army has been kept on a standby.
These security arrangements are likely to remain in place until the Ashura day activities come to an end at night.