Scene of utter chaos on Murree Road

Police say large number of shoppers thronged markets, leading to snarls on city roads

RAWALPINDI:

A scene of utter chaos was witnessed on Murree Road on the eve of Ramazan on Saturday.

Police said that last-minute shopping for the holy month caused a horrible traffic jam in Rawalpindi. Major gridlock spread to highways including Murree Road. Raja Bazaar, Fruit Market, Dalgaran Bazaar, Purana Qila, Commercial Market, Bank Road, Mall Road, Tench Bhata.

Traffic police officials said, “Ramazan shoppers brought hundreds of vehicles from nearby areas causing extraordinary rush in the markets. This disrupted the flow of traffic due to which citizens faced traffic jams.” Additional traffic wardens were deployed to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on Murree Road. There were long queues on linked roads that caused traffic jams on major highways.

Meanwhile, in preparation for Ramadan, police have completed security arrangements to ensure people’s safety. Walk-through gates will be installed at the entrances of 16 Ramadan bazaars and 142 police personnel will be deployed in the area. A temporary police check post will also be set up in every Ramazan Bazaar.

Around 117 traffic wardens have also been deployed to improve the parking and traffic system around the bazaars. The traffic personnel will facilitate the customers visiting the Ramadan bazaars.

The bazaars are being set up at Hyderi Chowk, Double Road, Committee Chowk, Khayaban e Sir Syed, Dhok Hassu, Chauhar Chowk, Gulzar-e-Quaid, Sarai Kala Taxila, Jarahi Adiala, Zafar Plaza, Gujjar Khan, Kahuta, Kallar Syedan, Kotli Sattian, and Lower Mall Murree.

Under the traffic plan, all out efforts would be made by CTP to ensure smooth flow of traffic on main arteries mainly before 'Iftar', he added.

On the special directives of Inspector General of Police Punjab, Rawalpindi district police continued against kite flying and aerial firing.

CPO Umar Saeed Malik said, ”Protecting of life and property of citizens is the first priority. A special security plan will also be implemented during Ramadan to ensure the security of mosques and imambargah’s. In addition, senior police officers will make surprise visits to ensure implementation of the security plan.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 3^rd, 2022.