Mourners from Shahr Sultan Detained on Their Way to Alipur Arbaeen Gathering

Shiite News: In a deeply troubling incident, mourners from Shahr Sultan in Muzaffargarh district were stopped by police at Chowk Permit while traveling toward Alipur to participate in the annual Arbaeen gathering.
Every year on Arbaeen, a massive procession held in Alipur with the symbolic Zarih of Hazrat Abbas (A.S.), which draws large numbers of participants.

Traditionally, many devotees from nearby areas, including Shahr Sultan and Hamza Wali, would join the event through the traditional Mashi (pilgrimage walk).

However, this year the government imposed a ban on walking, allowing only vehicular travel—a decision reluctantly accepted by religious leaders.
Despite this, witnesses reported that when the convoys reached Chowk Permit (within the jurisdiction of Jatoi Police Station), police forcibly stopped vehicles, pulled mourners out one by one, and even mistreated women, children, and the elderly. Several young men were reportedly arrested and transferred to the police station.
Local sources claim the action was aimed at preventing mourners from reaching Alipur and participating in the gathering.
The incident has sparked widespread anger among religious and community circles, who have denounced it as a blatant violation of religious freedom and demanded immediate action from the Punjab government.