Day of Ashura was observed across Pakistan with all respect and religious fervor. Religious gathering and mourning processions were held in commemoration of the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) – the grandson of the Holly Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) – and his family.
Muslims across the world observe this 10th day of the month of Muharram with a commitment to follow the foot prints of the martyrs of Karbala who stand against injustice and cruelty to uplift the flag of Islam.
President Asif Ali Zardari in his message emphasized the nation should stand for the oppressed. He appealed the nation to work for the country and firmly oppose injustice. “We should not leave any sacrifice for the welfare of the nation,” the President said adding cruelty, injustice and falsehood could not stand while the truth wins. He emphasized learning lesson from this day with regard to the sacrifices of martyrs of this day.
He asked for unity and lead lives with a firm belief and commitment for the welfare of the nation. “The Palestinians and Indian occupied Kashmiris are bearing oppressed and they need our prayers and support and are they best examples of courage and sacrifices. We should remember them in our prayers and stand with them,” the President said adding, “They are struggling for justice, freedom and are facing cruelties and hardships for freedom and Islam.”
Mr. President stated Islam is alive because of the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions. Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) preferred his life, family and near ones and dear ones for the sake of Islam and uphold the flag of justice, peace, and equality. “He taught us to raise voice against injustice, face problems and hardships with steadfastness, commitment and have firm resolve,” he said adding despite pressures and hardships the Imam stood against the cruel and presented their lives for the entire Muslim Ummah.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his message paid tribute to the greatest martyrs of Islam urging to follow their foot prints and teachings to stand for the oppressed and needy. The PM prayed for the stability of the country and said, “May God let us follow the foot prints of Hazrat Imam Hussain. Let us learn lesson from his sacrifices for the Muslim Ummah.”
The people of Palestine and Kashmir are also going through hard times, cruelties ang injustice for their freedom and we need to remember them all the time.” The incident that took place on this day hundreds of years ago is priceless and the blood of the martyrs proved the truth always stays and the falsehoods end up with a bad defeats and stained pages of history. Truth stays and conquers while injustice and falsehood vanish, the PM added.
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz said this day reminds the lightful and rightful teachings of the martyrs of Karbala – a place in Iraq where the grandson of the Holly Prophet (PBUH) embraced martyrdom. Today the history of Karbala is being repeated in Gaza where thousands of innocent Muslim men, women and children have been brutally killed to curb their voice for freedom, justice and independence, the CM said adding the martyrs of this day set the example of bravery and courage against the unjust and cruel forces. She said those who die and live for right remain alive. The war of right and wrong is from the day one and the rightful wins. She paid tribute to the martyrs of the day and emphasized unity among the nation.
Chief Minister Baluchistan Sarfraz Bugti said this day gives the lesion for unity, commitment and courage against injustice and the despotic powers. This reminds how the martyrs of Islam fought for Islam, unity and equality. The life of the martyrs teaches the lesson for protection of humanity and the oppressed, the CM said adding standing against Yazid is mandatory in all the times. Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions presented their lives for to up lift the flag of Islam, he said.
Chairman Pakistan Peoples’ Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Hazrat Imam Hussain and his family was a beacon of hope and light for the whole Muslim Ummah. This day reminds a commitment for righteousness, truth, justful principles, and an opposition to the aggressors, oppressors and cruel in all the times. He paid a huge tribute and compliments to the sacrifices of the family of the Holly Prophet (PBUH).
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly of Pakistan Omer Ayub Khan said the martyrs of Karbala fought for the right and set an example that all in the time to come should stand firm against injustice.
Across Punjab 2730 processions were taken out and 2500 religious gathering – majalis – were organized to pay tribute to the martyrs of the day. More than 125000 security officials were deputed across the province to provide security to the mourning processions of Shia sect.
In Lahore ban was imposed on pillion riding besides cell phone services remained closed. the processions were provided security in three layers and 127 police pickets were installed on the routes leading to the final destination of the main procession. All Regional, and District police officers remain on duty throughout the province while military and paramilitary troops were performed duties in sensitive districts. Section 144 was imposed. More than 1500 security personals were deputed in the provincial capital on all routes of the procession taken out from Nisar Haveli till its final destination – Karbala Gamay Shah.
Karachi in Karachi Pakistan Rangers was deputed on the rout of the main procession and snipers were placed on the roofs of the buildings. More than 7000 police officials were deputed today to provide security services. All routes leading to the main procession were blocked with containers for any other traffic. The main procession passing through five traditional routes ended up at Imam Bargah Hussania Irania.
In Quetta mobile services remained closed while 8000 security officials were placed on duty. The mourning processions were monitored through security cameras. The main procession in Quetta passed through Megangi road, Tusi road, Prince Road, Liaqat bazar and ended at Alamdar Road. Peshawar: in Peshawar 12 processions were taken out.
Emergency Services: Emergency services also remained also available during the whole day along with the processions. In Punjab 12,000 rescuers were deployed to provide rescue and medical cover. The rescuers were deputed in three shifts at 1029 key points across Punjab. These key points include 1352 Motorbike Rescue Services, 580 emergency ambulances, 168 Fire vehicles, and 35 rescue vehicles throughout the province. Likewise, 1029 specialized rescue teams were deputed at all major procession venues.
Furthermore, 285 ambulances, 832 motorcycles, and 48 rescue vehicles will be available to the general public at various rescue stations across Punjab. The deployment plan of the Rescue Service in Lahore will provide 1300 rescuers, 56 ambulances, and 299 motorbikes other than routine rescue operations. Special rescue teams were stationed at Karbala Gamay Shah, Imamia Colony, Nissar Haveli, and other sensitive areas. (By Rana Kashif)
