Muharram begins in Pakistan amid tight security

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) has begun in Pakistan amid tight security.

In Pakistan, the first ten days of Muharram are observed officially. The 10th day of Muharram is marked mainly by the Muslims to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in Karbala 1400 years ago.

The leaders of Sunni and Shia groups have assured maintenance of peace during Muharram.

Pakistan is the country with the second largest Muslim population in the world. Almost 77 percent of people of Pakistan are Sunni with 20 percent Shia, but this Shia minority forms the second largest Shia population of any country, larger than the Shia majority in Iraq.

Entire month of Muharram in Pakistan is observed as the mass mourning by the Shias. They shun all the celebrations in this month to express their grief. Women should not wear adornments and bright clothes during this month.

When new moon appears, people wear black clothes and sing mournful verses in the memory of Imam Hussein.

On tenth day, processions are taken into the streets with decorated taziye, the replicas of tomb. These taziye are decorated with precious metals. Staunch devotees mourn by beating themselves by iron chains or walking on burnt coals.

The religious leaders, Ulema belonging to various schools of thought and members of civil society have unanimously expressed their determination to maintain religious harmony, brotherhood and unity during Muharram.

There is no conflict between Shia and Suni Muslims in Pakistan but the extremist elements are trying to light the fire of sectarianism.

In the last two decades, more than 4,000 people are estimated to have died in sectarian fighting in Pakistan.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has expressed concern that the state agencies’ consistent failure to track down the killers may prompt the Shia to retaliate against members of other sects, which is perhaps the sort of violence those behind the target-killings want to trigger.

Taliban have openly claimed responsibility for attacks on Shia gatherings in Pakistan. They are supported by their sister organizations such as Lashkar-e-Jhangavi and other jihadi and sectarian organizations.

Hundreds of innocent people have been killed in bomb attacks this year across the country. In many cases the terrorists have tried to hit mosques and prominent Shia Muslims activists.

Many districts across the Pakistan have been declared sensitive, while strict security measures have been taken to avert any untoward incident during Muharram.

In and around all Shia mosques, scanners and walk through gates have been installed. The mourners would also need to be checked by metal detectors before entering the precincts of any mosque.

In Punjab province besides police, Army personnel would also be deployed at Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Jhang from 7th to 10th Muharram.

Strict checking of religious schools, hotels and guest houses will be done on daily basis as well.

In Karachi the largest city of Pakistan All important gatherings, conventions and caravans would be monitored through satellite and also aerial surveillance would be employed to ensure that no mishap takes place.

Security has been beefed up on all the airports, railway stations and other important places of all the cities whereas all the caravans and majalis would be monitored through satellite and CCTV cameras.

Despite top security arrangements, the Pakistan’s government failed to prevent mourners from deadly bomb blasts in Ashura processions last year. This has cast doubts over the government’s claims of high security for Shia Muslims in Pakistan this year.