RNA - Cellular and internet services have begun to be suspended in Karachi, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Khairpur, Haripur, DI Khan and Lakki Marwat, among other areas as a security measure to protect people participating in the mourning ceremonies, Geo TV reported.
Meanwhile, the motorcycle pillion riding ban is still in place in Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta whereas the metro bus in Islamabad and Rawalpindi will also remain non-operational today.
In Karachi, the main 'Jaloos' (procession) began in Nishtar Park with a majlis (address) recited by Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi.
The procession then planned to proceed to Numaish Chowrangi, from where it will follow MA Jinnah Road towards Regal Chowk, and pause at Tibet Centre from Zuhr prayers.
Following this, the procession will head towards Bolton Market and conclude at Irania Hussainia Imambargah.
Tight security has been planned throughout the metropolis with over 6,000 personnel deployed along with a heavy contingent of Rangers.
Snipers have been stationed in balconies of the buildings lining the procession's traditional route as well as on rooftops of skyscrapers, from where security officers will have an eagle's eye point-of-view of the procession.
With regard to further security and safety inside of the procession, followers and mourners will be required to enter via walk-through gates, installed with metal detectors.
In Rawalpindi, the main Ashura procession will start at 11am from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain.
According to the police, 7,000 police personnel, as well as paramilitary forces, have been deployed for the event.
In Lahore, the Ashura procession began with the traditional majlis at Nisar Havel. It will then proceed through narrow alleyways of the 'old city' and conclude in the evening at Imambargah Karbala Gamay Shah.
In Peshawar and Quetta, the processions commenced from Imambargah Agha Syed Ali Shah Rizvi and from Rehmantullah Chowk on Alamdar Road, respectively.
In their messages, President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi have urged the nation to promote great characteristics of sacrifice, unity and discipline.
In his message, the president said the country can get rid of all political and social issues like extremism by deciding the line of action keeping in view Imam Hussain's (RA) sacrifice.
He said while commemorating the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (RA) and his family members, we should keep in view his objectives and strategies, which provide a solution to the issues of humanity, particularly those confronting us.
And in his message, the premier said keeping in view the internal and external threats confronting the country we should shun our religious, sectarian and ethnic biases.
He said the sacrifices of the martyrs have proved that the truth is destined to live forever while the fate of the falsity is elimination.
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