Twin cities decorated for Eid Miladun Nabi

Air resonates with sounds of naats, lights adorn buildings

RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD: In a bid to celebrate the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in a befitting manner, the preparations have been completed in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and adjoining areas with full religious zeal and fervour.

Amidst celebrations there are also fears of terrorist attacks and so heavy contingents of police have been deployed in the garrison city.

A number of programmes have been chalked out on November 10 in connection with the day.

Many government and private buildings in twin cities have been illuminated with glittering lights. The civic authorities have decorated streets buntings and beautifully designed arches at various points in the city. All private and public buildings are beautifully illuminated with coloured lights to express jubilation over the sacred day.

Police issue security, traffic plan for Eid Miladun Nabi

The milad gatherings are being organised in different areas of the city where the illuminated and beautifully decorated stages are garnering the attention of every eye.

Bomb disposal squad (BDS), city fire brigade, Rescue 1122, ambulance squads of hospitals and technical sweeping personnel will remain on high alert on the day.

The main procession for Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) will commence at 10pm on the morning of Rabiul Awwal 12 from Markazi Jamia Mosque and would culminate at the same spot after passing through from Bunni Chowk Kohati Bazaar, Murree Road, Committee Chowk, Iqbal Road, Fawaara Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Dangi Khoi Jamia Masjid Road.

A beautiful view of the entrance to the Bari Imam Shrine in Islamabad decorated in bright colours to mark Eid Miladun Nabi. PHOTO: ONLINE

The cellular services in the city will remain open while snipers would be deployed atop buildings on the procession route. More than 200 stages would be setup on the route as well. The inauguration of the central procession would be done by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rawalpindi Saifullah Dogar who would be accompanied by District Khateeb Maulana Iqbal Rizvi.

Another large procession will be taken out in the Cantonment area of Rawalpindi which will start at Chungi no 22 and would culminate at Kamran Market Chowk after passing through Tanch Bhaata Bazaar, Abid Majeed Road, Mall Road and Saddar.

Almost 4,500 small processions will join these central processions at different points.

More than 3,000 milad committees in the city are organizing naat competitions to celebrate Rabiul Awal 12. They will join the main procession too.

Meanwhile, the district administration is finalising plans for ensuring the security of the faithful on Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH). As many as 750 closed circuit television (CCTVs) cameras have been installed at different points to cover the entire routes of processions.

The district administration has barred the entry of tractor trolleys, trucks and other heavy vehicles in the procession.

Moreover, Ulema, scholars and people belonging to all schools of thoughts have vowed to play their role in maintaining law and order and foil the nefarious designs of miscreants.

The city district government will also set up a control room for the surveillance of the processions and reviewing security arrangements.

Police flag march

Following the instructions of City Police Officer (CPO), Muhammad Faisal Rana, the Rawalpindi police conducted a flag march in different parts of the city aiming to maintain peace and tranquility in the city during Edi Milaad un Nabi (PBUH). The flag march was conducted under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operation Tariq Waliyat and was  participated by Muhafaz squads, Elite Force squads,City Traffic police (CTP) and Dolphin Force.

The march started from Police Line and culminated at the same point after marching on the city roads including routes of Eid Milaad un Nabi processions. According to a police spokesman, flag march was conducted to show preparations of police and other law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order, maintain peace and counter any challenge in the city.

Similarly, Islamabad Police have chalked out an elaborate security plan for main procession of Eid Milad ul Nabi on 12 Rabiul Awal and strict patrolling will be ensured during procession and other religious gatherings in the city.

According to police plan chalked out following directions of Islamabad IGP Muhammad Aamir Zulfiqar Khan and DIG (Operations) Waqaruddin Syed, Islamabad police, Rangers and personnel of other law enforcement agencies will perform patrolling and security duties on this occasion.

Eid Miladun Nabi to be celebrated with religious zeal, fervour

The main procession, starting from Sector G-7, will be completely cordoned off through heavy deployment. Procession will start from Sector G-7 Sitara Market to culminate near shrine of Hazrat Sakhi Mehmud at Aabpara Market after passing through various routes, police said. .Following the directions of DIG operations, all SPs, SDPOs, SHOs and other police officials will visit the routes of procession and ensure effective coordination among the security personnel performing duties.

As many as 2,000 policemen including teams of QRF, ATS, CTF and police commandos will perform security duties on the occasion while special teams of Rangers, CID and Special Branch police will assist in smooth performance of their duties.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2019.