More than 12,000 police officers and personnel were deployed across Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Friday as Ashura processions got underway, with extensive security measures including snipers on high-rise buildings, drones, a custom CNIC scanning app, and a complete suspension of mobile and internet services in Rawalpindi.
Rawalpindi security arrangements
Rawalpindi's central procession emerged from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain, Teli Mohalla, where more than 8,000 police officers and personnel were on duty. Of these, more than 5,500 were assigned to the central procession alone, with more than 1,200 traffic police officers also performing duties. More than 1,000 volunteers assisted with security.
All routes leading to the mourning processions were sealed, with the city being monitored through more than 2,000 Safe City and other cameras and continuous oversight from the Safe City and Central Control Room. Snipers were deployed on high-rise buildings, and monitoring was also being carried out through drones.
Procession participants were only allowed entry after body searches, with lady police personnel conducting checks on women. Metal detectors and walk-through gates were also in place.
Special CNIC scanning app
Rawalpindi Police developed a special identification and scanning app which can scan any person's CNIC instantly. Security personnel used the app at entry pickets and bus terminals, verifying processioners' identities.
Rawalpindi administration imposed a ban on pillion riding while mobile phone and internet services remain completely suspended. Standing on rooftops and at windows along procession routes was prohibited, as was keeping stones or bricks on rooftops or bringing matches, cigarettes, lighters, or weapons into the processions.
Emergency was declared at hospitals, with 350 closed-circuit cameras installed and a control room established, with Governor Saleem Haider, the commissioner, RPO, CPO, and deputy commissioner conducting visits. "Full implementation of the code of conduct and SOPs issued by the Punjab government will be ensured," said the CPO.
Procession routes
The first procession emerged from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Teli Mohalla, the second from Imambargah Colonel Maqbool, the third from Imambargah Hifazat Ali Shah, the fourth from Imambargah Shohda-e-Karbala in Tyre Bazaar, the fifth from Imambargah Darbar Shah Chan Chiragh Badshah, and the sixth from Imambargah Baltistania. All processions were to converge at Purana Qila Urdu Bazaar Chowk, with participants offering Zuhr and Asr prayers at Fawara Chowk, while Maghrib and Isha prayers are to be offered on Jamia Masjid Road.
The central procession will pass through its designated routes and conclude late at night. At the request of the administration, police will receive assistance from the Rangers, while Pakistan Army troops will remain on call.
Murree security
In Murree, the central Ashura procession was to emerge on Mall Road, which has been completely closed to all traffic and the route cleared, said DPO Dr Muhammad Raza Tanveer. Tourists entering Murree must have a confirmed hotel booking, while locals will only be allowed entry upon presenting their CNIC.
Movement at all locations in Murree except Mall Road will remain unrestricted, with additional police personnel deployed on alternative routes to keep traffic flowing. The DPO urged people to download the "Safe Tourism Murree" app for real-time traffic and security updates.
Islamabad security
In Islamabad, more than 4,000 police officers and personnel were deployed across Imambargahs, procession routes, religious gatherings, and mosques for Friday prayers. Inspector General (IG) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi personally supervised all Ashura security arrangements, with DIG Safe City/Traffic Haroon Joiya, DIG Muhammad Jawad Tariq, DIG Security Rana Umar Farooq, and other senior officers conducting field visits to Imambargahs and procession routes.
IG Rizvi stated, "All officers and personnel should perform their duties during Muharram with complete honesty, dedication, and a spirit of service," reaffirming that Islamabad Police "remains committed to ensuring the safety of mourners and maintaining law and order on Ashura."
According to Islamabad police, the procession "will commence from Imambargah Musa Kazim and proceed through Khayaban-e-Sir Syed before concluding back at Imambargah Musa Kazim." Due to this, the police noted that traffic will be diverted from various roads, announcing alternative routes. "Citizens are requested to use alternative routes during the procession," the police said, adding that those participating in the procession "should park their vehicles and motorcycles in the designated parking areas."
Official messages
Meanwhile, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, in a message on the occasion of Ashura, termed the day an "eternal symbol of truth, righteousness, patience, sacrifice, and standing firm against oppression." He added, "The tragedy of Karbala highlights the clear distinction between truth and falsehood in every era."
Saying that Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions made great sacrifices in Karbala "to safeguard the religion of Islam, human dignity, and the principles of justice and fairness," the chairman said that the occasion "conveys the message of promoting unity, tolerance, brotherhood, and national solidarity." He called on the nation to adopt in its character and collective behaviour the noble values for which the Ahl-e-Bait (RA) offered eternal sacrifices.
