Muharram processions: Islamabad IGP told to ensure strict security

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Thursday inspected the route of the main 9th Muharram procession in federal capital taken out to commemorate the supreme sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions and reviewed security arrangements put in place on the occasion.

During his visit, he directed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Nasir Rizvi to ensure strict security measures and maintain vigilance until the peaceful conclusion of the procession.

Earlier, Talal Chaudhry chaired a meeting to review Muharram-ul-Haram security arrangements across the country. Home secretaries and senior police officials from all provinces, as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), attended the meeting.

The minister stressed the need for foolproof security and maintenance of law and order during Muharram, stating that protection of citizens’ lives and property remained the government’s top priority. He assured provincial authorities of the federal government’s full support and directed them to seek assistance whenever required.

IGP Ali Nasir Rizvi told the media that extensive preparations for Muharram-ul-Haram security had been underway for the past 45 days. All sensitive locations had been covered under a comprehensive security plan and consultations had been held with religious scholars from all schools of thought to ensure peaceful observance of Muharram, he said.

The IGP said that around 16,000 security personnel had been deployed for duties during the first ten days of Muharram, while approximately 6,500 personnel were specifically assigned to security duties for the 9th Muharram processions and gatherings.

Rizvi said personnel from Islamabad Police, Rangers and the Pakistan Army were jointly performing security duties to ensure the safety of mourners and the general public.

He said that more than 2,700 cameras were being used to monitor processions and gatherings, while surveillance was also being carried out continuously through mobile monitoring units and the central control room.

The main procession was taken out from the Central Imambargah Asna-e-Ashri in Sector G-6/2, with a large number of mourners from Islamabad and Rawalpindi participating in the Majlis and main procession to commemorate the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions.

Small processions started from different parts of the city gathered at Markazi Imambargah. Sermon was delivered to mourners by the religious scholars and rich tributes were paid to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).

The religious scholars highlighted the significance of the day and shed light on the sacrifices rendered by Imam Hussain (RA) and his followers to uphold the sanctity of Islam.

The main procession which was taken out from the Markazi Imambargah passed through its traditional routes and culminated at the same Imambargah in the late evening.

The mourners were carrying big Alums (flags) in their hands and lamented in a high-pitched voice. Mourners recited Nohas, Marsias, and Salaams in honour of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions who rendered unprecedented sacrifices in Karbala for truth and spreading the message of Islam.

Markazi Zanjeer Zani was held in the procession while Alums and Zuljinnah accompanied the procession. The main procession continued on the traditional route peacefully till the filing of this report.

The Islamabad Police, assisted by personnel of the Pakistan Army, Rangers and the Federal Constabulary, implemented extensive security measures along the procession route and around the Central Imambargah. A five-layer security plan was put in place, while participants entering the venue were subjected to thorough screening and body searches.

Walk-through gates were installed at entry points, and roads leading to the Imambargah and procession route were closed to traffic. The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) issued a special traffic management plan to facilitate commuters.

The district administration also deployed ambulances and firefighting vehicles at key locations along the procession route to respond to any emergency situation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026