Parking on procession routes banned
Rawalpindi traffic police have finalised an elaborate traffic plan during Muharram processions to be taken out in the city from 7th to 10th Muharram.
Rawalpindi City Traffic Polic (CTP) said that under a comprehensive traffic plan, there would be a complete ban on the parking of vehicles, motorcycles and pushcarts on procession routes.
A spokesperson for the CTP said that 1,191 traffic officials including nine DSPs, 72 inspectors, 820 traffic wardens and 290 traffic assistants would perform duty on city roads to regulate traffic during Muharram. He said that special arrangements would also be finalised from the 7th to the 10th Muharram processions.
He said that traffic police officers and wardens had been directed to take action against violators. He said that the traffic police had been directed to remove all kinds of encroachments from procession routes besides keeping a vigil on suspected persons and things.
The entry of vehicles on the procession routes would be blocked by erecting barricades and other hurdles, he added adding that traffic police would be deployed along with district police personnel to ensure the security of the mourners. Strict disciplinary action would be taken against the delinquent officials, he added.
He said that traffic would be diverted to alternative routes during mourning processions. A control room had been set up at the traffic headquarters and motorists who may seek help have been asked to use the CTP's helpline at 051-9272616.
On Sunday, Islamabad and Rawalpindi police along with a contingent of Rangers and rescue officials conducted a flag march through the twin cities.
The separate marches were held to show the public how prepared the police and other law enforcement agencies were to maintain the law and order during Muharram.
Islamabad police conducted the flag march in different areas of the city to maintain peace and tranquillity during Muharram. The march started from the Pakistan Sports Complex and culminated at the same spot after passing through Dhokri Chowk, Rawal Dam Chowk, Shehzad Town, Tramri Chow, Lehtrar Road, Khanna Bridge, Koral Chowk, PWD Housing Society, Kaak Bridge to Kahuta road, Imam Bargah Haideri in Sihala, Imam Bargah Niazian Expressway, Sain Boota Shrine Faizabad, Sector I-8Markaz, Imambargah Jafferia SectorI-10 Markaz, Imam Bargah Moosa Kazim, Imambargah Baltastania, Police Lines Headquarters, Kashmi rHighway, Jhangi Syedan, Imam Bargah Qadeemi to Imam Bargah Baitul Hussain and Aabpara Chowk.
Rawalpindi city police, Rangers and rescue officials also carried out their own flag march in the city on Sunday to maintain peace during Muharram.
SSP operations, SP headquarters divisional SPs, SDPOs, SHOs along with district police, Elite Force, traffic police and Dolphin squad participated in the flag march.
The purpose of the flag march was to exhibit the preparedness to maintain the law and order during the month of Muharram. Under the security plan, around 10,000 personnel of police and other law enforcement agencies will be deployed for foolproof security in Rawalpindi.
According to the authorities, mobile service will remain suspended from 7th Muharram to 10th Muharram in most sensitive areas. The leaves of police personnel had also been cancelled.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 2nd, 2022.