ISLAMABAD: Political talks overtook religious discussions at the main Muharram 9 procession brought out in the federal capital on Tuesday.

Leaders of mainstream political parties belonging to Shia school of thought expressed discontent over the extraordinary security measures at the procession route and demanded the government remove the restrictions. The closure of the Faizabad interchange also created hurdles for the participants to reach G-6 to participate in the procession.

The main procession was taken out from G-6 Markazi Imambargah which culminated at the same place after passing through the designated route in the sector.

Meanwhile, unlike the previous years a large number of Palestinian flags were visible in the procession. Despite severe hot and humid weather, a large number of people attended the procession along with women and children who were provided cold water and drinks by volunteers, including residents of G-6.

Tehreek Nifaz Figh-i-Jafaria (TNFJ) Secretary General Allama Basharat Emami started his media talk by condemning terrorism in the country and abroad. He lauded the sacrifices rendered by the armed forces in containing terrorism in Pakistan.

He suggested that all Muslimcountries should adopt a common policy to eliminate terrorism, and criticised the government for creating walls around the Muharram procession routes that not only created hurdles for the participants but also discouraged Sunni Muslims to participate in the procession.

`This is a violation of human rights, as the government was creating an atmosphere of fear among the citizens,` Allama Emami said, adding that `instead of continuing the unconstitutional actions of the previous government, the prime minister should correct them and facilitate the mourners`.

He also said that it was regrettable that organisers of Milad-iMustafa and Azadari of Imam Husain were placed in the fourth schedule of Anti-Terrorism Act.

Meanwhile, Majlis Wahdat Muslimeen (MWM) Secretary General Syed Nasir Shirazi along with other central leaders held a news conference at the ninth Muharram procession. He said it was unfortunate that the authorities were trying to limit religious freedom of the citizens.

`We demand openness to mourning processions and as Pakistan has succeeded in beating the menace of terror its fruits should be visible to the masses.

The continuation of restrictions is not acceptable.

He said there was no sectarianism in Pakistan as members of Shia and Sunni communities lived like brothers in society but authorities were creating wallsby restricting entry to the Muharram processions.

`We have reports from all over the country related to police highhandedness during Azadari activities but most of the problems are in Punjab due to unjustified restrictions by the authorities,` he added.