Millad processions end peacefully in Pindi

Over 400 small rallies had joined the main procession

RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD:

All Millad processions culminated peacefully in Rawalpindi as the locals of the garrison city celebrated Eid Milad-un-Nabi with religious zeal and fervour. Over 3,000 security personnel ensured the security of the processions.

The main procession was inaugurated by Pir Naqibur Rehman and MNA Sheikh Rashid Shafique while the participants condemned the desecration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) along with expressing love for the last messenger of Allah Almighty.

The procession culminated at Markazi Jamia Mosque in the evening after passing through its traditional route. A congregational prayer followed by Naats to commemorate Prophet (PBUH) was also held.

The devotees distributed food in parcels along with offering tea and different kinds of drinks at different stalls set up on the processional route.

More than 400 Milad committees from different parts of the city joined the main procession while over 100 stages were set up on different locations to welcome the participants.

The roads, streets, neighborhoods, and main government and private buildings were embellished with colorful lights while the business sites and shops remained shut.

At least 400 closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras had been installed along the route of the main milad procession and linked to a control room for monitoring the rally.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Anwarul Haq and Additional Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Jhappa visited the control room and reviewed the arrangements for the securotyu of the procession. Similarly, CPO Rawalpindi Ahsan Younis, SSP Operation Shoaib Masood, SP Rawal Rai Mazhar Iqbal SP Headquarters accompanied by Tamoor Khan was present with the procession and from time to time monitored the security situation.

Police on Friday briefly fired tear gas at protesters who broke through security blockades in Islamabad in a failed attempt to demonstrate at the French Embassy against the publication of blasphemous caricatures in France.

No one was injured and protesters later moved back towards a gathering spot originally agreed with the authorities, police said.

Muslims around the world have protested against France and President Emmanuel Macron over his controversial remarks against Islam.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2020.