More than 12,000 police officers and personnel were deployed across Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Friday as Ashura processions got underway under extensive security arrangements.
In Rawalpindi, the central procession began from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Teli Mohalla, with over 8,000 police personnel deployed, including 5,500 assigned to the main procession and more than 1,200 traffic police officers. Over 1,000 volunteers also assisted with security.
Authorities sealed all routes leading to the procession, while more than 2,000 Safe City and other surveillance cameras, drones and snipers positioned on high-rise buildings monitored the city. Participants were screened through body searches, with female officers checking women, while metal detectors and walk-through gates were installed at entry points.
In Murree, the central Ashura procession was scheduled to emerge from Mall Road, which was closed to traffic. Tourists were required to present confirmed hotel bookings, while local residents were allowed entry upon showing their CNICs. Authorities also advised visitors to use the Safe Tourism Murree app for traffic and security updates.
In Islamabad, more than 4,000 police personnel were deployed at Imambargahs, procession routes, religious gatherings and mosques, with Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi personally supervising the security arrangements.