Lahore holds 9th Muharram processions under tight security
The main 9th Muharram procession in Lahore commenced from Pando Street in Krishan Nagar on Thursday, passing through its traditional route before concluding at the same point, as authorities enforced extensive security and traffic measures across the provincial capital .
The procession, which began from Aza Khana Pando Street, traversed through Inder Street, Dyal Street, Guru Tegh Bahadur Road, Main Bazaar Krishan Nagar, and proceeded towards Khaima-e-Sadaat Imambargah before returning to Pando Street to conclude . Thousands of mourners participated, with large numbers of chest-beating and noha-reciting devotees expressing their grief and reverence for the martyrs of Karbala.
Mourners offered Zuhr and Asr prayers along the route at designated points, with volunteers and community organizations setting up milk and water sabeels (charitable stalls) at various locations to serve participants . The atmosphere remained solemn as speakers narrated the events of Karbala and the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions.
More than 2,300 traffic wardens and personnel, supervised by over 200 traffic inspectors, were deployed across the city to manage traffic flow and facilitate mourners . City Traffic Police issued an advisory restricting traffic from multiple access points, including Sanda Road towards Pando Street, Chowk Civil Secretariat towards Islam Pura, and Neeli Bar Turn towards Neeli Bar Chowk .
Six major processions were scheduled across Lahore on the 9th of Muharram, with the central procession commencing from Nisar Haveli and concluding at Karbala Gamay Shah . Additional processions were taken out from Qasr-e-Batool in Shadman, as well as Zuljinah processions from Lal Pul Nabi Pura Shian, Model Town, Chuhng, and Thokar Niaz Baig .
More than 70,000 police officers were assigned special security duties across Punjab, with 81 processions and 386 religious gatherings taking place in Lahore alone . Authorities installed walk-through gates, CCTV cameras, and monitoring systems at sensitive locations, while plainclothes commandos were positioned along procession routes .
Emergency corridors remained open for ambulances and rescue vehicles, and the Edhi Foundation deployed 50 ambulances and 150 volunteers across the city . Mobile phone services remained active in Lahore, according to police officials .
Authorities urged citizens to cooperate with traffic wardens, follow the advisory, and use designated alternative routes to avoid inconvenience . Traffic diversions remained temporary, with roads reopening immediately after the passage of the procession.