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Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is especially revered for the supreme sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) in the desert of Karbala in 680 AD. Imam Hussain (AS), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the son of Syeda Fatima Zahra (SA) and Hazrat Ali al-Murtaza (AS). His martyrdom remains an enduring symbol of truth, justice, and resistance against tyranny. Muslims across the world hold his sacrifice in the highest sanctity and devote this sacred month to faith, mourning, remembrance, and spiritual reflection. While different Muslim communities observe Muharram through diverse traditions and customs, one element remains universal: unwavering devotion to Imam Hussain (AS) and the collective grief over the tragedy of Karbala. As Ashura concluded this year, scenes of mourning, remembrance, and selfless service were witnessed across the Muslim world. However, in Pakistan, the observance of Muharram was marked by more than remembrance and sacrifice, with heightened security concerns, sectarian tensions, terror attacks and PoJK unrest shaping the commemorations and offering a striking contrast to the atmosphere witnessed in Kashmir.
In Kashmir, the recently concluded Muharram was observed with utmost peace, respect, and zero sectarian or communal tensions. Traditional processions were held, and sabeels were set up across various locations. People from all walks of life actively participated in the Muharram processions. Kashmir has long stood as a symbol of unity, faith, and brotherhood among people, irrespective of their beliefs and backgrounds. I personally witnessed scenes where not only Muslims but also Sikhs and Hindus participated in the Muharram processions. Even leaders, officers, bureaucrats, and police personnel were seen taking part, with visuals of officials waving the flag of Imam Hussain (AS) and wearing “Labbaik Ya Hussain” banners on their arms, reflecting a deeply inclusive atmosphere. Over the years, as Kashmir has returned to normalcy after decades of Pakistan backed terrorism, turmoil and violence, Muharram has witnessed a renewed vibrancy, with large processions, revival of traditional jaloos, and reopening of historical routes. Participation and engagement have steadily increased, with streets across Kashmir echoing with “Labbaik Ya Hussain.” What has been especially heartening is the continued presence and participation of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Muharram and Ashura processions, symbolizing peace and communal harmony in the region. More importantly, in my memory, there has been no sectarian violence during Muharram, which itself is a major achievement for every Kashmiri and stakeholder. In a region with a predominantly Sunni population, Shia, Sunni, Hindu, and Sikh communities collectively participate in jaloos and serve sabeels, offering water and hospitality reflecting Kashmir’s well-known tradition of diversity, coexistence, and brotherhood.
In contrast, across the border, we have Pakistan, which presented a completely different and contrasting picture to Kashmir’s Muharram processions. No doubt, majalis and jaloos were held, and instances of brotherhood would also have occurred, but that does not fully capture the reality of Muharram there. Pakistan has the second-largest Shia population with an overwhelming Sunni majority. For decades, Shias have been targeted by communal violence, whether in Parachinar, Hazara, or in other incidents, including attacks on places of worship. Every Muharram, Shias in Pakistan reportedly face abuse, threats, and violence, and the saddest part is that the government is aware of this situation but often fails to effectively prevent it. A post by famous Pakistani actor Imran Abbas Naqvi highlighted how some individuals vandalized a sabeel set up by Shias. Reports of scuffles have been witnessed, marches by extremist groups near Shia houses and mosques have taken place, and provocative slogans have been raised, often under the nose of security forces. Muharram in Pakistan often appears less like a spiritual month of mourning and more like a period marked by heavy security deployment and restrictions. Not only this, but the month has also been marked by terrorist attack in Karachi, alleged oppression in Baluchistan, and unrest and killings in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan has always portrayed Kashmir as unstable and in a bad light, but the reality is otherwise; it is Pakistan that is unstable and intolerant. While Kashmir was busy honouring Imam Hussain’s sacrifice, Pakistan was busy launching strikes against civilians in Afghanistan. While every Kashmiri street echoed with “Labbaik ya Hussain,” the streets of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) echoed with gunshots and cries of “We want justice”. When Kashmir was serving water in remembrance of Hussain, Pakistan was serving bullets to Baloch citizens and handing down a death sentence to Mahrang Baloch, a prominent human rights activist. While Kashmir echoed with brotherhood and love, Pakistan’s Muharram was once again marked by sectarian violence and hatred. Where the Kashmiri police and administration were actively taking part in the Muharram processions, the Pakistani administration and security forces stood by as violence and vandalism unfolded across various parts. While Kashmir was engaging deeply with the sacrifice of Imam Hussain, Pakistan was witnessing a terror attack in Karachi. While Kashmir was mourning for Karbala, Pakistanis were mourning and wailing over those who died in that attack. Where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was joining the Zuljanah and Ashura processions, Pakistani leaders were ordering strikes on Afghanistan. Where Kashmir was loud and clear, Pakistan was muzzling PoJK. Where Kashmiris were taking out processions freely, Pakistan enforced a strict crackdown in PoJK. Where Kashmiris were using the internet to call their loved ones, Pakistan had enforced an internet and communication blackout in PoJK and the list goes on, with much more to be added.
This small contrast was necessary because Pakistan has always presented Kashmir in a negative light; while the things it claims are happening in Kashmir actually unfold in its own backyard in the form of sectarian violence, terrorism, and extremism.
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