Latest news with #Numaish
Express Tribune
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Muharram processions held amid tight security
Like other parts of the country, Karachi marked the ninth of Muharram with processions and religious congregations, to honour the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions. The central procession began at Nishtar Park under the leadership of Pak Hyderi Scouts, preceded by a majlis addressed by renowned scholar Allama Shehenshah Hussain Naqvi. The participants offered Zuhurain prayers at Imambargah Ali Raza on MA Jinnah Road. Afterward, a protest was organised in solidarity with the people of Palestine, also honouring Iranian scientists, military personnel, and civilians recently martyred in regional conflicts. Protesters chanted slogans against the United States and Israel, and burned their flags in condemnation. Extensive security arrangements were in place across the city, with roads and lanes around the procession route sealed with containers, and a heavy deployment of police and Rangers ensuring safety. The entire event was monitored via CCTV surveillance. The procession then continued its traditional route, passing through Numaish, Saddar, Radio Pakistan, Jama Cloth Market, Denso Hall, and Kharadar, before concluding at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah. Along the route, sabeels (stalls offering water and refreshments) were set up to serve mourners.
Express Tribune
05-07-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Major cities under strict security as Muharram 9 processions continue
Listen to article Major cities across the country, including Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar, are observing Muharram 9th processions on Saturday under heightened security, with mobile phone services suspended in some areas and key locations sealed amid fears of unrest. Authorities in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar deployed tens of thousands of police personnel, sealed sensitive areas, and partially suspended mobile phone services in efforts to prevent any untoward incidents. In Karachi, the main Muharram 9th procession will begin at 1:00 p.m. from Nishtar Park. Prior to the procession, a majlis (religious gathering) will be held at Nishtar Park, where Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi will deliver a sermon. After the majlis, the Imamia Students Organisation will lead the congregational Zuhrain prayers. The procession will follow its traditional route—passing through Numaish, Saddar, Radio Pakistan, Jamia Cloth, and Denso Hall—before concluding at the Husainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar. All security arrangements have been finalised for the event. In Lahore, the main procession commenced at 10:00 a.m. in city's Pandu Street area. Punjab Police spokespersons reported more than 147,000 officers and staff were stationed throughout the province to secure 1,689 processions and nearly 3,900 majalis (religious gatherings). In Lahore alone, 79 processions and 378 majalis are being protected by more than 10,000 officers. Read: Karachi traffic plan for Muharram processions Special instructions have been issued to the Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit (PRU). All teams are maintaining constant coordination with Rescue 1122, the fire brigade, Rescue 15, and other emergency services. Special attention is being paid to the safety of women and children. 'The entire province is on high alert,' said Punjab Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar. 'We're strictly enforcing Section 144 and the Loudspeaker Act.' In Peshawar, due to security concerns, mobile phone services have been suspended for the Muharram 9th and 10th . The city's BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) service has also been halted for two days. The main procession began at 10:00 a.m. from Husainia Hall. The Saddar and Cantonment areas of Peshawar have been completely sealed off, and commercial centres are closed. More than 10,000 police and security personnel have been deployed in Peshawar, while entry of Afghan refugees into the city has been banned for two days. Several major roads including Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Khyber Bazaar, Circular Road, and GT Road have been closed.
The Hindu
08-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Thousands flock to Hyderabad's Nampally for fish prasadam
The heat hung heavy in the air at noon in Nampally, where the temperature touched 33 °C , but that did little to deter the steady stream of people making their way to the Ajanta Gate of the Exhibition Grounds. Drawn by hope and tradition, thousands from across the country gathered in Hyderabad on Sunday to receive the famed 'fish prasadam,' administered annually by the Bathini Goud family on the occasion of Mrigasira Karthi. The atmosphere resembled that of the iconic Numaish fair, with streets choked with parked vehicles, traffic police working to ease the congestion, and loudspeakers crackling with instructions to maintain the flow of the crowd. Inside the grounds, visitors queued up to purchase a ₹40 token, required to receive the prasadam. After this, they were guided along barricaded lines towards the distribution point, where the murrel fish embedded with a secret herbal paste was slipped down their throats. The Telangana Fisheries Department had arranged over 1.5 lakh murrel fish for the ritual, anticipating a massive turnout. Many had arrived a day early, spending the night on the grounds to ensure that they could be among the first to receive the treatment, believed by devotees to offer relief from asthma and other respiratory conditions. 'I came to Hyderabad on June 7 and headed straight here from the airport. I spent the night on the ground and joined the queue at around 7 a.m. when the crowd was still manageable. I have had breathing issues, though not formally diagnosed as asthma. I read about this online and decided to come. This is my first time,' said 47-year-old Shankar Sahni from Muzaffarpur, Bihar. The programme was inaugurated by Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, who was ceremonially administered the prasadam by Bathini Amaranath. 'For 170 years, the Bathini family has carried out this selfless service. Thousands have claimed relief from chronic respiratory problems after taking the prasadam. Their faith and the family's dedication is truly remarkable,' the Minister said. Some arrived for their second or third dose, driven by stories of relief and recovery. 'My sister came here in 2019 with asthma and was cured after taking the prasadam. I was diagnosed just last year, and now I have come, hoping it works for me too,' said 32-year-old Shekhar Patil from Mumbai. Ashish Singh from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, had travelled with his five-year-old daughter, who suffers from asthma. 'I want to try everything I can. If this gives her even a little bit of relief, it's worth the journey,' he said. Voluntary organisations offered support by distributing drinking water, buttermilk, breakfast, and lunch to the people gathered at the grounds. After taking the medicine, many people could be seen lying on bedsheets on the ground, resting in makeshift arrangements while they waited for their return journeys by train, bus, or flight scheduled for later in the day or the next morning.
Express Tribune
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Stage drama highlights artists' struggles
Renowned artists presented spectacular stage performances on the Fifth day of the ongoing Regional Drama Festival 2025 organised by Punjab Council of the Arts, Rawalpindi. The stage play 'Numaish' was presented on the 5th day won the hearts of the audience. The play was written by renowned television, theatre and radio actor and writer Tahir Siddiqui. The story of the play was based on the emotions and social aspects of an artist's life.
