Traffic plan for Youm-e-Ali processions issued

Over 2,000 cops and security personnel to be deployed in Pindi

ISLAMABAD / RAWALPINDI: The Islamabad Traffic Police have issued a traffic plan for the processions in the federal capital which will be held to mark the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (RA).

The main procession will emerge from Imambargah Qasar Zainabya in Sector G-5/4 at 4pm. As a result, the National Press Club underpass will remain shut from 3pm to 7:30pm.

The public has been advised to instead use Embassy Road, Suharwardi Road for going to Aabpara and Melody from the Jinnah Supermarket.

Moreover, street 57 in Sector G-6/4 will remain closed for traffic. Only traffic from the Shaheed-e-Millat Road will be open for travelling to the Embassy Road or service road of Aabpara.

The road from Lal Masjid Chowk towards Shaheed-e-Millat Road will also remain closed for traffic.

Citizens can use Melody, GPO Chowk and Shuhda Chowk from Municipal Chowk as an alternative route.

The 73 Begum Sarfaraz Road heading towards Melody will also remain closed. The public can use the alternate route of Embassy Road, Suharawardi Road then to Aabpara.

The road from Polyclinic on Fazal-e-Haq Roads towards Kulsoom Plaza will also remain closed. Traffic coming from Geo Chowk can travel to Kulsoom Plaza using the Polyclinic, Fazalul-Haq service road.

CPO visits procession sites

In Rawalpindi, City Police Officer (CPO) Captain (retired) Faisal Rana visited various parts of the garrison city on Sunday where processions of Youm-e-Shahadat Hazrat Ali (RA) are supposed to pass from on Monday (today).

During the visit, he expressed his satisfaction over the security arrangements made, a police spokesperson said on Sunday.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Rawal Division Muhammad Akram Niazi was also present on the occasion.

According to the police spokesperson, a comprehensive security plan has been devised with as many as 2,000 cops to be deployed in Rawalpindi to ensure security on the day.

Moreover, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be installed along the procession route — which has been divided into four parts.

“No one will be allowed to carry weapons in the processions while all mourners will be vetted through three layers of security at all entry points,” the spokesperson said while quoting CPO Rana.

Meanwhile, Rescue 122 along with other emergency and security departments have been put on alert in case of an emergency situation.

All markets and buildings located along the procession routes will be barricaded with barbed wires. According to the district administration, as many as 101 congregations are expected to be held to mark the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2019.