Karachi: Large rallies and processions on the 10th day of Islamic month of Muharram were taken out all over the country as Shiites marked the auspicious date.
Security measures peaked on Friday as authorities shut down cell phone services in sensitive cities and towns whereas surveillance helicopters hovered on major rallies in Karachi.
All small rallies from across the city of 18 million populations gathered at Numaish to join the grand procession on M. A. Jinnah Road, the main artery of the city that was completely sealed by deploying huge shipping containers at the link roads and streets.
Black flags were being floated atop tall ‘alams’ or flags.
Volunteers set up kiosks for free water, milk shakes and spicy rice to be distributed among the mourners.
Police and paramilitary rangers were guarding the procession with snipers sitting on the rooftops of the buildings along the road, while sniffer dogs searched for explosive material.
Overnight, unknown attackers hurled a hand grenade near a Shiite mosque injuring two policemen who were on their duty. Earlier in the morning, police had killed six militants of a banned sectarian outfit.
The group was plotting a massive attack on the processions.
The processions reached Husania Iranian Imam Bargah by the evening where final majlis or congregation would be held to observe the Youme Ashur, or the mourning of 10th day.
Some 25,000 security officials were deployed for the security of the processions.
In Lahore, the main rally was taken out from Nisar Haveli towards Karbala Gamay Shah. All the roads were sealed and more than 3,000 policemen guarded the rallies besides hundreds of volunteers.
Helicopters were also used for the surveillance of the procession.
Big rallies and congregations were also held in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Quetta, Multan, Peshawar, Faisalabad; Hyderabad and Dera Ismail Khan.
