Youm-e-Ashur processions conclude peacefully across country

• Alam, Taazia and Zuljanah processions held across country.
• Tight security deployed nationwide for Ashura observance.
• President, PM urge nation to embrace message of Karbala.
  

Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram-ul-Haram, was observed across Pakistan on Friday with religious processions and majalis held to honour the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.

Alam, Taazia and Zuljanah processions were taken out to commemorate the martyrs of Karbala amid tight security.

The central procession in Karachi concluded at Imambargah Hussainia Iranian after departing from Nishtar Park in the morning.

The main procession in Rawalpindi emerged from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Taili Mohallah and culminated at Imambargah Qadeemi.

In Lahore, the central procession emerged from Nisar Haveli and concluded at Karbala Gama Shah later in the evening. All mourning processions and religious gatherings in Multan and other regions of south Punjab concluded peacefully.

The central Ashura procession in Lahore began at Nisar Haveli and concluded peacefully at Karbala Gama Shah in the evening.

Processions were also held in Peshawar and all concluded following their traditional routes.

Authorities put comprehensive security measures in place across the country to ensure peaceful observance of Youm-e-Ashur and prevent any untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the nation to embrace the enduring message of Karbala by promoting truth, justice, patience, unity, inter-sect harmony and tolerance.

President Zardari, in his message, said Youm-e-Ashur is one of the most significant days in Islamic history, reminding Muslims of the values of sacrifice, perseverance, truthfulness and steadfastness. He said the tragedy of Karbala remains a timeless lesson, demonstrating that truth, justice, integrity and human dignity must never be compromised in the face of falsehood and oppression.

The president called upon the nation to adopt the principles of righteousness, patience, selflessness and service to humanity in both individual and collective life. He also appealed to citizens to promote peace, inter-sect harmony, tolerance and brotherhood during Ashura, avoid rumours and provocative behaviour, and contribute to strengthening national unity.

He prayed that Allah Almighty grant the nation the wisdom to understand the true message of Karbala and guide the Muslim Ummah towards unity, peace and prosperity.

In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Ashura is a day that offers timeless lessons in faith, patience, sacrifice, truth and social reform. He said the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions serves as a lasting example of standing firm for justice, righteousness and human dignity in the face of oppression and tyranny.

The prime minister urged the nation to promote unity, tolerance, inter-sect harmony and mutual respect, calling on religious scholars, spiritual leaders, the media and the youth to spread the true message of Karbala.

He also pledged to uphold truth and justice while protecting the rights of the weak and deprived, and prayed for peace, stability and unity for Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah.