The historic 9th Muharram procession in Multan was held peacefully on Thursday under stringent security arrangements, with senior civil and police officials monitoring the situation across the division. Approximately 82 Alam and Zuljinnah processions emerged from different parts of the city and converged at Mumtazabad to form the central historic procession. Mourners paid tribute to the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his family members, and companions, with processions continuing peacefully until evening.
Procession Details and Participation
Of the total 82 processions, 40 were brought out by licensed organizers, while 42 were traditional and historic processions. Participants performed ‘matam’ and other mourning rituals as part of the commemorations. Historic tazias, including the more than 200-year-old Ustadwala Tazia and the 70-year-old Shagirdwala Tazia, were displayed at Inside Pak Gate and Khooni Burj, respectively. Other renowned tazias, such as Pir Laal Bakhsh, Kiri Patolian, and Allah Bukhshwala, also attracted devotees.
Official Monitoring and Security Review
Commissioner Multan Division Amir Karim Khan and Regional Police Officer (RPO) Usman Gondal visited the central mourning procession at Mumtazabad to review security and administrative arrangements. Deputy Commissioner Nauman Siddique, City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Dogar, and other senior officials accompanied them. Later, the Commissioner and RPO visited the Muharram Control Room at the Safe City Office, where they received a detailed briefing on surveillance, monitoring, and emergency response arrangements.
Peaceful Atmosphere Across Division
Commissioner Amir Karim Khan stated that all processions and majalis across Multan Division were being held in a peaceful atmosphere, with the administration, police, and other security agencies on high alert. He emphasized close coordination with procession organizers, peace committees, and religious scholars to ensure a secure environment for mourners. According to the Commissioner, a total of 344 majalis and 155 mourning processions were held across the division on the 9th of Muharram, including 47 Category-A majalis and 16 Category-A processions. Major events were linked with the Safe City surveillance network for effective monitoring.
Digital Surveillance and Three-Tier Security
RPO Usman Gondal noted that CCTV cameras had been installed at sensitive locations across all districts, with continuous monitoring through the Safe City system. All relevant departments were in constant coordination via the control room and fully prepared to respond to any emergency. Law enforcement agencies provided a three-tier security cover to processions and majalis, with heavy police contingents deployed along procession routes. Roads leading to congregation venues were secured and monitored, while mobile surveillance cameras linked to the central control room were installed at key locations to watch for suspicious activity.
Preparations for Ashura and Peace Committees
The district administration confirmed that procession routes for Ashura had also been swept with detection equipment, and Rangers remained on standby to assist in any emergency. The day passed peacefully across the district with no untoward incidents reported. The Commissioner and RPO met with members of peace committees and religious scholars, appreciating their role in promoting inter-sect harmony and maintaining peace during Muharram.
