Eid Miladun Nabi: Security heightened in twin cities along procession routes

Leave of Rescue 1122 officials and police personnel cancelled

RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD:

Administrations of the twin cities have made elaborate security arrangements for Eid Miladunabi being observed on Thursday (today).

As part of the security arrangement, leaves of Rescue 1122 officials and police have been cancelled ahead of Eid Milad and Christmas that fall on consecutive days.

The Eid Milad will be celebrated across the country on Thursday. The day, celebrated on 12th of Rabiul Awal, marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration at a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Cap (retd) Mushtaq Ahmed on Wednesday took appraisal of the security arrangements that have been put in place to secure procession routes and congregations in the federal capital.

During the meeting, it was decided that foolproof security will remain in place till December 31, the eve of New Year.

A police official said that over 500 police personnel will be deployed in Islamabad to secure the Eid Milad procession which will be taken out from Melody Chowk and culminate at Fiazabad after passing through its designated routes.

Capital’s three hospitals — the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Polyclinic and the Capital Development Authority Hospital — have also been put on high alert to attend to emergencies.  An official said that volunteers of the Civil Defence and staff of the Auqaf department will also perform duty in close coordination with the district administration, police and Milad committees.

In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, numerous streets and shopping malls have been illuminated with lights as part of the celebrations.

Meanwhile, a complete ban has been imposed in Rawalpindi on movement of heavy vehicles as well as carrying arms and weapons in the district.

in Rawalpindi, separate processions will be taken out from Markazi Jamia Masjid and Cantt Chowngi 2. Close-circuit cameras have been installed along the routes of the processions.

Meanwhile, in order to cater to any untoward situation on the eve of two religious festivals emergency medical staff and ambulances have been made available in sensitive areas.

Rescue 1122 officials have urged the public to call them in case of any incident.

In the Rawalpindi District, 400 rescue staff has been made available.

Similarly, 13 fully-equipped ambulances, nine fire trucks, four rescue and recovery vehicles have also been arranged.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24^th, 2015.