ISLAMABAD: Amid harsh weather conditions, a large number of people attended the main Muharram 9 procession in the federal capital, with visibly-eased security restrictions.

The procession witnessed strong criticism of Israeli policies, as many leaders of religio-political parties condemned the recent attack in Gaza that left innocent civilians dead.

Talking to journalists at the procession outside G-6 Imambargah, chief of Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen (MWM) Allama Nasir Abbas said sacrifices made by respected personalities in Karbala were not limited to that time only.

“This is a message of principle; Yazid is not an individual but represents a behaviour by rulers and those in authority. One of the followers of Yazidiat in current times is Israel, as it is their policy to kill innocent civilians including minors in Gaza and elsewhere,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shia Ulema Council Vice President Allama Arif Wahidi criticised Israeli action in Gaza and restrictions on Muharram processions in India-held Kashmir.

“The armed forces with the support of the whole nation have defeated terrorists and the fruits of peace and victory in the war against terror should be visible all over. We receive requests from our Sunni brethren about them wanting to participate in processions but the security system prevents them to move in freely,” Allama Wahidi said, calling on the authorities to allow women and children to stand on rooftops of their houses along the procession route.

While people were allowed to bring food for distribution as niaz, many locals lodged complaints with the deputy commissioner against blocking of streets in G-6-1/3.

“There has to be a mechanism. We also want to establish sabeels, but authorities do not allow us to come out and this is not fair,” said Kamran Abbasi, a local resident.

A large number of sabeels offering water and sherbet were established along the procession route by residents and by the managements of mosques belonging to the Barelvi school of thought in G-7 sector.

The procession commenced after noon prayers from Markazi Imambargah and after passing through its traditional route, culminated at the same imambarghah after 10pm. The number of participants seemed to be higher than before.

Security measures were managed by police, Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel while the deputy commissioner was present in the procession.

Taxila

Mourning processions were taken out in Taxila and Wah Cantonment on Monday to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Imam Husain and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.

The processions ended peacefully after passing through their designated routes. Six processions were taken out in Taxila and two in Wah Cantonment. The two cities also held 31 majalis at imambargahs.

The administration had fenced all roads leading to the procession route with barbed wire, while police and other law enforcement agencies accompanied them. Besides, officials were deployed along the procession routes as well as on the rooftops of nearby buildings.

Sub-Divisional Police Officer Waqas Khan said 20 processions and 18 majalis had been declared “sensitive”.

Responding to a question, he said the administration had already imposed a ban on pillion riding and display of weapons to ensure foolproof security on the eve of Ashura.

The law enforcement agencies are on red alert and surveillance of procession routes would be carried out. — Additional reporting by Amjad Iqbal

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2022