By: Ghulam Hussain Ghazi 
Ashura is not merely a religious occasion; it marks a monumental chapter in Islamic history that commemorates the unparalleled sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his loyal companions. Yet, enemies of Islam often view the sacred first ten mourning days of Muharram, leading to Ashura, as an opportunity to sow discord among Muslims. Weaving webs of conspiracy, they do not hesitate to resort to terrorism. If successful, such conspiracies grant them a double advantage: first, Muslim lives are lost, and second, sectarian strife is fueled in the aftermath.
However, these malicious plots are now increasingly foiled, as both the government and the public have become aware of the enemy’s deceit. This awareness places an even greater responsibility on the government to counter such threats effectively.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have long been vulnerable to such schemes, owing to their shared borders with Afghanistan, a brotherly yet war-torn nation, where unfortunately India’s influence has grown significantly. As always, the arrival of Muharram increased the state’s responsibilities in terms of maintaining law and order, promoting inter-sect harmony, and averting terrorism.
The KP government, recognizing these critical responsibilities in a timely manner, held high-level meetings led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah before the holy month began. Administrative and police authorities were given clear directives and emphasis was laid on coordination with the Pakistan Army stationed along the Pak-Afghan border. While the military vigilantly guards the borders round the clock, the enemy often targets soft urban areas to cause civilian casualties and stir internal disturbance.
This year, the provincial government launched coordinated and well-planned initiatives, turning this sacred period into a symbol of peace, unity and responsibility. Though terrorist incidents occurred in the early days of Muharram, security and administrative officers sacrificed their lives to protect citizens. On Tuesday, 1st Muharram, terrorists on motorcycles shot and martyred two police Jawans at Taja Zai Chowk in Lakki Marwat. The next day, five officers, including a brave assistant commissioner from Swat, embraced martyrdom in Bajaur while on patrol. On Thursday, 3rd Muharram, terrorists attacked the Regi Lalma police checkpoint in Peshawar with grenades but fled when they encountered alert security personnel. On Friday, 4th Muharram, 30 Indian-backed terrorists were killed while attempting infiltration at the Pak-Afghan border in North Waziristan.
Targeting security personnel is a tactic to weaken morale and eventually reach soft targets in cities. But full credit goes to our valiant forces and officials, who not only thwarted these attacks but ensured peace across the province. In North Waziristan, the local population stood in solidarity with the Pak Army instead of fleeing, pledging to confront terrorism alongside the military. The Chief Minister visited wounded security personnel at CMH Peshawar and praised their sacrifices. Thanks to the tireless efforts of security institutions, district administrations, the Home Department, and law enforcement, the remaining days of Ashura passed peacefully. Not a single urban terrorist incident occurred and not even a minor injury was reported among civilians. All religious gatherings, Majalis, processions and Sunni congregations, were held safely and orderly. This was the result of comprehensive and efficient planning, with no gaps in security and no panic even in sensitive areas.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur himself visited the Kohati Gate Central Command Post on Circular Road, Peshawar. After receiving a briefing from Home, police and other departments, he expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, applauded the staff and announced honoraria of Rs.10k for each personnel. His visit not only boosted morale but also sent a clear message: the government is actively monitoring the situation and public safety is its top priority.
He commended all departments and reiterated his commitment to making Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a cradle of peace, unity, and development. While speaking to the media, he shared that foolproof security arrangements were made for Muharram gatherings and processions across the province, with around 10,000 Majalis and 1,000 processions taking place. A total of 36,000 security personnel were deployed, and emergency status was declared at hospitals, rescue centers and municipal offices in anticipation of any untoward incident.
It is crystal clear that the provincial government, elected with a strong public mandate, bases its decisions on public interest, national unity and institutional stability. Under Ali Amin Gandapur’s dynamic leadership, this administration believes in actions over slogans and its timely strategy for Ashura’s security proves this beyond doubt.
An important question remains: why do terrorists target religious days, particularly Muharram? Their objective is to sow division within the Ummah, provoke sectarian conflict and erode public confidence in the state. However, the peace maintained this year in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa demonstrates that when a government is resolute, institutions are active and the public is informed, even the most organized disruptors cannot succeed in their nefarious goals.
During this Ashura, once again, both Shia and Sunni communities paid tribute to Imam Hussain (RA)’s eternal sacrifice in accordance with their beliefs, holding gatherings and processions without a single incident of hatred or incitement. This reflects the wisdom, training and institutional support evident at every level.
What is needed now is to extend this successful model beyond Ashura to all facets of collective life. We must understand that peaceful coexistence, despite differences, is the essence of Islam. If we recognize the enemy’s tactics, maintain our trust in institutions and strengthen mutual brotherhood, we can build a conflict-free, prosperous and enlightened Pakistan.
In conclusion, the peace preserved by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government during Ashura deserves praise. It signifies not just a triumph of security, but also a victory of public confidence. Indeed, it proves that with honest intentions, sincere leadership and clear vision, even mountains of challenges can be reduced to dust.
