Youm-e-Ashur 2025 was observed with deep solemnity and spiritual reflection across Pakistan, as mourning processions (Jaloos) concluded peacefully under tight security on Sunday. The day, commemorating the ultimate sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala, drew millions of mourners nationwide, unified in grief, remembrance, and devotion.
Peaceful Observance and Majlis-e-Sham-e-Ghariban Nationwide
Across cities and towns, Majlis-e-Sham-e-Ghariban were held to honor the martyrs of Karbala. Scholars delivered heartfelt sermons, emphasizing the enduring values of truth, sacrifice, and justice. Importantly, the processions reached their destinations without incident, made possible by robust coordination between security agencies and local authorities.
Moreover, volunteers played a critical role in facilitating the mourners by distributing sharbat, milk, and langar throughout the day.
City-Wise Highlights of Ashura 2025 in Pakistan
To understand the scale and serenity of Ashura 2025, here is a breakdown of key cities:
Lahore
In Lahore, the main Ashura procession began from Nisar Haveli in Mochi Gate and followed its traditional path to Karbala Gamay Shah. Notably, mourners paused at Rang Mahal Chowk for Zuhrain prayers. With over 1,600 CCTV cameras, rooftop snipers, and more than 15,000 deployed officers, security remained impenetrable.
Prominent figures such as Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb visited Karbala Gamay Shah to assess arrangements on the ground.
Multan
Multan hosted 116 mourning processions, including the historical Ustad-o-Shagird Ta’ziya, which concluded at Haram Gate Chowk. Every procession took place smoothly under strict security supervision.
Sialkot
The central procession originated from Imambargah Dar-e-Batool and ended at Adda Pasruriyan, while another started from Imambargah Mistri Abdullah and concluded at Imam Sahib Chowk. Security personnel closely monitored all routes.
Bahawalpur
With 112 processions ending at Imambargah Karbala Chowk, the city maintained a peaceful environment, supported by the deployment of over 2,700 police officers and volunteers.
Kasur
Kasur’s main procession moved from Imambargah Sadat Manzil to Imambargah Hussainia, Kot Rukn Din Khan, with complete facilitation and crowd management.
Kot Addu
The city’s 100-year-old procession, a symbol of South Punjab’s rich religious tradition, concluded at Tibbi Imam Karbala, joined by 54 smaller processions.
Sargodha
In Sargodha, the central procession reached Imambargah Karbala Manzil under multi-agency security that included Rangers and local police.
Hasan Abdal
Hasan Abdal’s main procession began at Imambargah Hussainia, Panja Bazaar, and ended at Mill Pirran Imambargah. It started at 11:00 AM and concluded without disruption.
Karachi
Karachi’s main procession followed the traditional path from Nishtar Park to Hussainia Iranian Imambargah, Kharadar, with extensive CCTV surveillance ensuring safety.
Hyderabad
Led by Anjuman Haidari, Hyderabad’s central procession started at Qadam Gah Mola Ali and concluded at Karbala Dadan Shah, featuring over 25 mourning groups.
Ghotki
Ghotki held a central procession from Dharki Hussaini Imambargah to Haidri Imambargah, all under vigilant security forces.
Peshawar
Peshawar witnessed peaceful completion of all processions, including the final one starting and ending at Imambargah Haider Shah.
Lakki Marwat
This district had only one traditional procession, which concluded at Bukhari Shah, monitored centrally for crowd control.
Nowshera
Similarly, Nowshera’s central procession ended in a serene environment, paying homage to the martyrs with respect and spiritual grace.
Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb Commends Ashura Arrangements
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb praised the arrangements made under Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s leadership. She emphasized the government’s efforts in providing cold water, sharbat, langar, cleanliness drives, and emergency services. In her words, these were “the most comprehensive arrangements in the province’s history.”
Coordinated Nationwide Security Efforts
The peaceful culmination of Ashura 2025 across Pakistan can be credited to meticulous coordination and proactive measures, including:
- Advanced CCTV and drone surveillance
- Deployment of thousands of police officers, Rangers, and volunteers
- Availability of medical camps, ambulances, and emergency response teams
- Strategically placed entry and exit control points
- Provision of sharbat and langar stalls for mourners
These efforts, collectively, ensured that the spirit of Ashura was upheld without disruption.
A Day of Unity, Sacrifice, and Spiritual Resilience
Ultimately, the nationwide observance of Youm-e-Ashur reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep commitment to the message of Imam Hussain (RA)—a legacy of sacrifice, justice, and unity. With participants from all walks of life, the peaceful processions highlighted the nation’s collective reverence for Karbala’s martyrs and a renewed dedication to peace.
