Pakistan: Security heightened nationwide due to the observance of Ashura, Aug. 18-19

Event

Security forces will be on high alert across Pakistan Aug. 18-19 for the Shi'a Muslim observance of Youm-e-Ashura. Worshipers will stage mourning processions to and from imambargahs (traditional Shi'a congregation halls), mosques, and other sites through Aug. 19, when the largest congregations will occur. Authorities will likely elevate security around all Shi'a religious sites and near procession routes, especially in major urban centers. Police will deploy to enforce ongoing nationwide COVID-19 measures, such as gathering size limits.

Ashura processions could prompt severe traffic delays in areas with significant Shi'a populations. Authorities will likely enforce road closures and traffic diversions and restrictions, especially along the procession routes. Major Ashura procession routes or culmination points are typically at the following locations:

• Islamabad: Markazi Imambargah in Sector G-6 to Melody Market, and back to Markazi Imambargah

• Karachi: Nishtar Park on M.A. Jinnah Road to Hussainian Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar

• Lahore: Mochi Gate to Lower Mall, as well as Nisar Haveli to Karbala Gamey Shah

• Multan: Mumtazabad to Shah Shams Shrine

• Peshawar: Qissa Khawani to Kohati Gate

• Quetta: Rehmatullah Chowk on Alamdar Road to Punjabi Imambargah

• Rawalpindi: Imambargah Col. Maqbool Hussain on College Road to Imambargah Qadeemi of Banni via Fawara Chowk

While authorities have not disclosed any specific threats to Ashura, Sunni militant organizations have historically staged attacks on the Shi'a minority group during religious observances. Security personnel will probably set up checkpoints on major roadways and increase security at malls, markets, and other soft targets as a precautionary measure. Violence is possible in many areas, particularly in major cities such as Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, and Rawalpindi. Religious groups may protest if local authorities ban any planned events; clashes are also possible if police attempt to enforce COVID-19 restrictions in permitted gatherings. Officials may impose temporary localized telecommunication restrictions to prevent militant attacks and sectarian clashes.

Ashura is a public holiday in Pakistan; government offices will be closed Aug. 18-19. Business will likely also close or alter business hours.

Context

Muharram is the first month of the lunar Islamic Hijrah calendar, and Ashura is a national holiday observed by Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. While many Sunnis fast and celebrate the day as a particularly auspicious time based on various Quranic verses, Ashura is much more important to Shi'a Muslims, who observe it as the anniversary of the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in Iraq in 680 CE (61 AH). His death eventually led to the schism between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. Shi'a Muslims hold marches and re-enact Hussein's death; followers consider him the rightful heir to the Caliphate during his lifetime. Theological divides, the historical persecution of Shi'a in Pakistan, and the spread of Sunni sectarian fundamentalism have contributed to significant sectarian tensions that often peak ahead of Ashura.

Advice

Confirm travel arrangements. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments, deliveries, and travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Shi'a processions typically follow fixed, approved routes that are announced in advance; avoid them if possible. Limit exposure to places of worship, government and political party offices, security and intelligence installations, and large concentrations of police, soldiers, and paramilitaries throughout the country. To the extent possible, limit unnecessary travel in the days leading up to Ashura. Make allowances for possible telecommunications disruptions.