Ashura processions conclude peacefully across Pakistan

Millions across Pakistan participated in religious processions Sunday to mark Ashura, a day of mourning for Shia Muslims, with authorities reporting no major security incidents as the observances concluded peacefully in major cities.

The processions commemorate the 7th-century martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), at the Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq.

In Pakistan, where Shia Muslims comprise about 15-20% of the population, the day is observed with large public processions that require extensive security arrangements due to past sectarian tensions.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said at a press conference that 4,836 processions and 5,480 religious gatherings were held across the country Sunday, with the largest numbers in Punjab province.

The main procession in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, concluded at Hussainiya Iraniyan Imam Bargah, according to police updates. More than 7,000 police personnel provided security for the procession.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah praised security forces for maintaining peace during the observances, according to a statement from his office.

In Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said in a statement that the province had experienced peaceful Muharram observances. Provincial officials deployed 113,000 security personnel and monitored processions through 7,500 cameras across the province.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued statements honoring the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions.

In his message, Sharif said that Karbala teaches that "although the path of truth is difficult, it is the path that leads to the pleasure of Allah Almighty," according to state-run Radio Pakistan.