Yum e Aashur peacefully observed in NWFP, Fata amid tight security

Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency )

PESHAWAR, Jan 8 (APP)- Like other parts of the country ‘Yum-e-Ashur’, the 10th of Moharram, commemorating the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions at Karbala, was observed peacefully across the NWFP and tribal agencies on Thursday with religious fervor amid tight security measures adopted by the law-enforcing agencies.
The law enforcing agencies had sealed the areas close to the Imambargahs in the Provincial Capital to avoid the possibility of any mishap and no stranger was allowed to enter those areas while there was total shutter down and traffic was off the road throughout the day.
Security in-charge Peshawar, Capital City Police Chief Sifwat Ghayyur had made elaborate arrangements to ensure peaceful observance of the Holy occasion as previous two Muharrams in the provincial capital were marred by deadliest blasts which also claimed the life of the then city police chief Malik Saad and scores of others civilians.
Sensitve spots in Peshawar like Qissa Khwani, Kocha Risaldar, Kohati Gate, Mohallah Khudadad, Nasir Khan Chowk, Chowk Shahbaz, and Bijori Gate were duly covered by the law enforcers and had occupied all the roof tops of the houses in these areas to monitor the Zuljinah processions. Whereas all the entry and exit points to the city were effectively blocked. Over a dozens Alam and Zuljinnah processions were taken from various Imam Bargahs in Peshawar on 10th of Muharram.
In Peshawar, over s dozen Alam and Zuljinnah processions were taken out from various Imam Bargahs. The main procession was taken out from Imam Bargah Alamdar Karbala near Qissa Khawani Bazaar this afternoon. The procession after passing through its traditional routes terminated at its starting point. Similar processions were also taken out in different areas of the province including D.I.Khan, Kohat, Haripur, Hangu and Parachinar.
Ulema and Zakireen addressed the participants of procession at various points and highlighted different aspects of the philosophy of the tragedy of Karbala. Sham-e-Ghariban will be held tonight. Ulema and Zakireen will address the mourners and highlight sacrifices rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) and his companions for the supremacy of Islam.
Quick Response Force is patrolling on different sites round the clock to thwart any untoward incident.
Small and big Zuljinnah processions were taken out all around the frontier province to pay homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions-the martyrs of Karbala. The processions after passing through their traditional routes terminated at the main Imambargahs. Ulema and Zakireen highlighted the spirit and teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the need for forging unity to meet the present challenges.
Imambargahs and places where Majalis were being held are under strict security cover, while control rooms have also been established at different places to monitor deployment, co-ordination and patrol between officials performing field duties. Peace Committees are also closely monitoring the law and order situation.
The Federal Government had already declared public holidays on 9th and 10th of Moharram to help observe the day with reverence. Regional and local newspapers brought out special supplements while Radio and TV Channels present special programs as well as “Shaam-e-Ghribaan” symbolizing the day.
The administrations of various city hospitals had made special arrangements to deal with any emergency during Ashura. Additional staff has been deputed in emergency and surgical wards, while life-saving and other medicines have also been made available. Mobile medical units and ambulances would provide first aid during the Zuljinnah processions.
In other districts and tribal agencies, Zuljinnah processions were taken out amid tight security arrangements and curfew was imposed in Hangu district, dominated by Ahle tashi. Similarly over 20 mourning procession appeared in DIKhan and peacefully culminated after parading their traditional routes. Howver the DIKhan police defused a rocket on receiving information.
In Kurram agency, main Zuljinnah procession was taken out from Markazi Imambargah Parachinar and terminated at the same point after marching on Kurram Milita, Tori Qabristan and Hazara Qabristan. Over 300 mourners’ procession were held in Kurram Agency.