Ashura | Pakistan

Vehari - Ashura was observed across Vehari with religious devotion, discipline, and complete peace.

An Ahmadi man was arrested on blasphemy charges in Punjab’s Gujranwala for distributing langar on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura) and sent to jail on judicial remand for seven days, the police said on Monday. A citizen filed a first information report (FIR), dated July 6, at the Satellite Town Police Station and said that the incident occurred on July 6 at 4:30pm. The case was registered under Section 298(C) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) which criminalises certain acts by members of the Ahmadi community, including calling themselves Muslims or referring to their faith as Islam. Muhammad Irfan, public relations officer to the Gujranwala city police officer, told Dawn.com: “The suspect has been arrested and sent to jail on judicial remand for seven days.” The FIR said that the complainant saw the Ahmadi man distributing biryani at a langar and “identifying himself as a Muslim and speaking and acting like a Muslim.” Langar refers to the tradition of distributing free food, often associated with religious instit...

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Almighty Allah and lauded the tireless efforts of Pakistan’s security forces and government institutions for ensuring a peaceful and secure environment during Ashura across the country.

For the first time in their history, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police used drone-jamming technology as part of security measures during Sunday’s Ashura processions in Peshawar. Yaum-i-Ashura processions in major cities across the country concluded peacefully on Sunday evening amid tightened security. A total of 4,836 processions and 5,480 majalis were carried out, with 12 processions taking place in Peshawar. Thousands of police personnel — including constables and police snipers — were deployed across major cities alongside emergency rescue personnel for the safety and security of mourners carrying out processions. Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Qasim Khan told Dawn.com that drone-jamming technology was used for the first time by Peshawar police. “A drone-jamming gun was used for the first time during the Ashura procession,” he said. “With the help of Peshawar Anti-Drone System, drone cameras helped in jamming.” He noted that drones had been used by terrorists in the southern districts of KP. “Now KP police...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised the chief ministers of all provinces, as well as the leadership of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), for ensuring effective security arrangements during Ashura.

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised the chief ministers of all provinces, along with the leaders of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, for ensuring strong and effective security during Ashura, ARY News reported. According to reports, Shehbaz Sharif made these comments during a meeting with Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi. The interior […]

Yaum-i-Ashura processions in major cities across the country safely concluded on Sunday evening amid tightened security. Yaum-i-Ashura is observed every year on Muharram 10 with solemnity to pay homage to Imam Husain — the grandson of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — and other martyrs of Karbala. So far, processions in Karachi, Hyderabad and Punjab have culminated, according to statements from senior officials. The Ashura procession in Karachi safely culminated at Hussainiya Iraniyan Imam Bargah, with a police update sharing that the head of the procession reached the imam bargah at 6:20pm. Additional IG Karachi Javed Alam Odho praised the Karachi Police for excellent security arrangements during Muharram, according to a statement from his office. “Majalis and processions were organised at several places in Karachi, including Nishtar Park,” he was quoted as saying, expressing appreciation for the Traffic Police for arranging alternative routes for the convenience of the general public during the main procession...

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has reaffirmed the presence of religious harmony across the country on the day of Ashura, urging citizens to shun those inciting sectarianism.

The federal government on Thursday announced two public holidays on the occasion of Ashura.

The Sindh government has declared a two-day public holiday on July 5 and 6, 2025, marking the 9th and 10th of Muharram, in observance of Ashura.

The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee on Thursday announced that the Muharram moon has been sighted in the country, hence the first of Muharram will fall on June 27 (Friday). Accordingly, the Ashura — Muharram 10 — will be observed on July 6 (Sunday). Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is also a month of mourning, observed in particular by Shia Muslims worldwide, commemorating the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, where, amongst many, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), Imam Husain, was martyred, and other family members were martyred or subjected to humiliation. A notification by The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, said, “In pursuance of the decision of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, in its meeting held today at Quetta, the Federal Government in the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Islamabad, hereby announces that the moon of Muharram-ul- haram 1447 AH has been sighted.” “Therefore, the 1...