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Ashura processions conclude peacefully
KARACHI: Ashura processions have reached their set destination across Pakistan without any untoward incident, Geo News reported.Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram, was observed with solemnity and religious sanctity throughout the country and Azad Kashmir under tight security on Tuesday to pay tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions for the supreme sacrifices rendered by them for the cause of truth, justice and righteousness.
Tazyiya, Alam and Zuljinah processions were taken out in all cities and towns across the country.
The main procession in Karachi was taken out from Nishtar Park, which passed through M. A. Jinnah Road and Empress Market and reached the Imambargah Hussainia Irania Kharadar.
During the procession in Karachi, special security arrangements were made for the maintenance of peace.
In Islamabad, police pickets were established on all entry and exit points and every vehicle was being checked.
Hospitals were asked to remain alert for any emergency situation.
Security had been tightened in Rawalpindi where police personnel and Rangers were deployed on the routes of the procession.
In all major cities of Punjab strict security arrangements were made for the processions. Security had also been tightened in all the Imambargahs and routes of the processions.
In Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan all roads leading to Imambargahs were sealed and strict security had been ensured.
A large number of people visited graveyards during Youm-e-Ashur to pray for the departed souls of their loved ones.
In his message on the occasion President Asif Ali Zardari urged the nation to follow in the footsteps of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and adopt his values to eradicate all kinds of ignorance from the country.
"We have to forget our trivial differences and adopt the teachings of Islam and promote peace, security and brotherhood." Today, he said, the way to pay tribute to Imam Hussain (RA) is to follow his values wholeheartedly.
"For us, this day holds importance as the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) along with his 72-companions embraced martyrdom in Karbala." He said the event of Karbala is very significant which affected every aspect of human life, unveiled aspects of superior character and provided standards to judge a person and increased knowledge and light by piercing the dark curtains of ignorance and deceptions.
The president said Youm-e-Ashur gives the lesson of sacrifice and piety for achieving higher objectives. Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) decided to live life as a lasting symbol of truthfulness to make the followers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) realise that they should pursue the basic values of good character including tolerance, endurance, sacrifice, equality, justice and fairness.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in his message called upon the people to follow the principles espoused by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), for the security of Pakistan and glory of Islam. "We can become an ideal society if we adopt the principles of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) in our individual and collective lives."
"Today is the day of Ashura. This day has a special significance in Islamic history. This is the day when Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the Holy Prophet's grandson, took on the forces of falsehood for the glory of Islam.
"On this very day, the battle was fought between the forces of truth and falsehood, which would continue to impart Muslims a lesson of sustained struggle against oppression.
On this day of Ashura, we reiterate our pledge that we would further strengthen unity, political and social harmony, mutual tolerance, and brotherhood in our ranks. The prime minister said, "let us vow that we would follow the principles espoused by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) for security of our motherland and glory of Islam and would not hesitate to offer any sacrifice for the sake of Islamic principles. May Allah give us courage to stand our ground against the forces of falsehood (Amen)."
Courtesy www.geo.tv