The 'Alam-o-Zuljinnah' mourning processions of 9th Muharram concluded peacefully in Dera Ismail Khan on Thursday, marked by extraordinary security arrangements that included the deployment of thousands of police personnel across the city. The main procession, known as 'Alam-Abbas', emerged from Imambargah Bammu Shah and followed its traditional route before concluding at Imambargah Latu Faqeer around Zuhr prayer. Several smaller processions from different localities joined the main procession as it passed through various thalas and imambargahs, with mourners reciting Noha Khwani and performing other rituals of remembrance.
Security Measures and Police Deployment
To ensure the peaceful observance of Muharram, the district administration and police implemented stringent security measures. More than 8,000 police personnel were deployed for security duties, while the city was divided into nine sectors and eight sub-sectors for effective monitoring and response. According to police officials, each sector was supervised by an officer of SP rank, and the entire procession route remained under constant surveillance through CCTV cameras. Security operations were monitored from the Command and Control Center established at Police Lines.
Official Supervision and Route Clearance
On the directions of District Police Officer (DPO) Dera Ismail Khan Ziauddin Ahmed, SP City Muhammad Nauman visited the central procession and reviewed security arrangements, including deployment of personnel, protection duties, entry and exit points, and search-and-sweep operations. He directed officers and personnel to remain vigilant and ensure strict compliance with all security protocols. The Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU), led by In-charge Inayatullah Tiger, carried out comprehensive route clearance and bomb-disposal checks before and during the procession. Different streets and sensitive points were secured, while entry and exit routes to the city were sealed with containers and barbed wire to prevent any security breach.
Additional Precautionary Measures
As an additional precautionary measure, a complete ban on motorcycle riding was imposed across the district. Police and administration officials remained present along the routes throughout the day to supervise security arrangements and facilitate mourners. Speaking on the occasion, SP City Muhammad Nauman said Dera Ismail Khan Police remained on high alert throughout Muharram-ul-Haram to safeguard the lives and property of citizens. He appreciated the cooperation of mourners, procession organizers and residents, and urged them to continue promoting peace, harmony and mutual respect during the remaining days of Muharram.
Procession Route and Participation
The main procession passed through its traditional routes including Thalla Bhoora Shah, Hussaini Chowk, Thala Fazal Abbas Shah, Thalla Imam Zainul Abideen, Khumeni Chowk, Haideri Chowk, Thalla Hazrat Abbas, Mohallah Dr Jalal Hussain, Alamdar Chowk, Mohallah Ghayanwala and Imambargah Haider Shah Shirazi. Various small processions from the suburbs of the city, including Thala-I, Thala-II and Mohalla Qasaban, joined the main procession as it passed through different thalas and imambargahs. Mourners of all age groups, including children, participated in Noha Khwani along the routes. 'Sabeels' of different drinks were also arranged on almost all the routes of the processions.
Police Readiness and Coordination
SP City Muhammad Nauman stated that the Dera police remained on high alert during Muharram-ul-Haram to maintain law and order and safeguard the lives and property of citizens. He added that all available resources were being utilized to prevent any untoward incident and that the police force was fully prepared to respond to any situation. The district administration and police have made tight security arrangements to maintain peace during Muharram-ul-Haram in the district, with the Bomb Disposal Unit conducting comprehensive clearance and bomb-disposal checks along the procession route to ensure the safety of mourners and participants.
