KARACHI: Thousands of security personnel have been deployed across the country today, Sunday, as mourners in Pakistan take out religious processions to pay tribute to Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 

Pakistan’s government takes stringent security measures every year in Muharram as militants have attacked religious processions during the Islamic month in the past. Hundreds of thousands of Shia Muslims organize religious processions in Muharram, especially on the 10th of the month, to pay tribute to Hussain, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala. 

In a statement on social media platform X, Punjab Police said its officers and personnel are performing their duties despite the rain and are using CCTV cameras to monitor processions. 

“Over 134,000 officers and personnel of the Punjab Police have been deployed for the security of processions and gatherings,” the statement said. 

It said over 10,000 police personnel have been deployed in the provincial capital of Lahore for the security of religious processions and gatherings on Ashura. 

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah’s office said over 1,400 processions were held in the province on Sunday under strict security arrangements. 

“Regarding security deployment, Murad Shah stated that approximately 50,000 police personnel were deployed across Sindh, with about 6,000 assigned specifically to the central procession,” the statement said.

In a separate statement, the office of Sindh’s deputy inspector general of police in Sukkur said three major processions will be held in Sukkur, Rohri and Pano Aqil areas today, in addition to 43 smaller and larger processions across the district. 

“To ensure security, over 4,000 male and female police personnel, along with Rangers and three standby army companies have been deployed,” the statement said. 

Islamabad Police spokesperson said 12 processions and 48 religious gatherings are being held across the capital city. The spokesperson said over 4,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed throughout the capital to ensure security.

Karachi’s police chief Javed Alam Odho told reporters that over 20,000 personnel have been deployed in various parts of the city for Muharram 10 rallies and processions. 

He said personnel of the Special Branch, Counterterrorism Department Sindh and the paramilitary Rangers were also performing security duties.