Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram-ul-Haraam, was observed with solemnity and respect amid unprecedented security here on Sunday like other parts of the country. Security arrangements along the routes of Muharram processions were extremely tight with personnel of law enforcing agencies posted atop the roofs of houses and other buildings. Processions of 'Alam' and 'Zuljinnah' were taken out from Imambargahs all over the city, which terminated after marching through their traditional routes.

Thousands of mourners walked in the processions and expressed their grief by wailing and beating their chests with hands and iron chains. Water and milk stalls were set up to quench the thirst of the mourners, in stark contrast to the situation of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions who were denied even a drop of water by their heartless enemies.

Zakireen, Naatkhawan and religious scholars highlighted the significance of the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (God be pleased with him) and his companions who laid down their lives for the supremacy of justice and righteousness.

Electronic media presented special programmes to highlight the supreme sacrifice.

In the Punjab capital Lahore, the major Zuljinnah procession, which was taken out from Nisar Haveli inside Mochi Gate on Saturday midnight, terminated at Karbala Gamay Shah Lower Mall after passing through its traditional route.

Small processions of Zuljinnah, Alam and Taazia emanating from other parts of the city, Islampura, Shadman, Wassanpura and Ravi road also joined the main procession. Majalis-e-Sham-e-Ghariban were also held in the night in which Zakireen highlighted the great sacrifice.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005