Authorities stepped up security throughout Pakistan on Thursday to prevent any outbreaks of sectarian violence during Muharram, a monthlong religious ritual that is particularly important to Shiite Muslims.
"We are prepared for all eventualities," said Tasneem Noorani, a top official at Pakistan's Interior Ministry. "We hope, God willing, that Muharram will pass peacefully."
Muharram began March 5. During the month, Shiite Muslims mourn the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Islam's prophet Mohammed.
Shiite and Sunni Muslims fell out over who was the rightful successor to Mohammed following his death. Shiite Muslims favored Hussein, while Sunni Muslims a caliph or collection of leaders.
While most of Pakistan's 140 million people are Sunni Muslims and live largely in peace with the minority Shiites, small extremist groups from the two sects are blamed for attacking each other.
The most dangerous time for sectarian violence is during the 9th and 10th days of Muharram which fall on Thursday and Friday when Shiite Muslims hold processions through the streets, beating themselves to mourn Hussein's death.
Noorani said police reservists, paramilitary soldiers and army troops have been called out to assist civilian authorities in maintaining security.
In Karachi, where a recent massacre at a Shiite mosque left nine people dead, police chief Kamal Shah told reporters that officers would take to the air to monitor religious processions.
In Rawalpindi, adjacent to the capital Islamabad, heavy contingents of police have been deployed around Shiite mosques.
Militant Sunni Muslims have attacked Shiite processions in the past. Most victims of suspected sectarian attacks or clashes in Pakistan have been Shiite Muslims.
In Peshawar, about a thousand Shiites participated in a ritual procession led by a horse to symbolize the steed Hussein rode.
The mourners beat their chests and chanted mournfully while hundreds of police officers lining the route looked on. The procession passed off peacefully.