Citizens throng mosques for Friday prayers in Rawalpindi

Worshippers to undergo body searches before entering Pindi mosques

RAWALPINDI:

A large number of people thronged the mosques and imambargahs throughout the city to offer Jumma prayers (Friday prayers), the last of Ramazan, on Friday, leading to the most soulful scenes during Friday prayer gatherings.

Elders, young people and children turned up at the mosques and imambargahs with great humility. Heavy turnout at the religious places forced the citizens to bring prayer mats to offer prayers.

During their sermons, The Imams (prayer leaders) of mosques highlighted the importance and virtue of the last Friday of the holy month and the blessings of Shab-e-Qadar.

They condemned Israeli brutality and atrocities on the Palestinians. Special prayers were held with submission to Allah Almighty to send help to the affected Palestinians. The unity of the Muslim Ummah and the development, prosperity and peace of Pakistan were also sought during the prayers.

After the Friday prayer, the worshipers mingled humbly, embraced and congratulated each other on the last Friday. On the occasion, the police made foolproof security arrangements at the mosques and imambargahs.

A good number of beggars also reached outside the mosques and imambargahs to grab the opportunity to seek alms.

Security plan

The Rawalpindi district police have devised a security plan to maintain law and order during the last Ashra of the holy month of Ramazan.

According to a police spokesperson, over 6,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure the security of more than 3,000 mosques and Imam Bargahs across the district. Elite Force commandos have been stationed at the entrances and exits of mosques during Fajr and Teraweeh prayers. Additionally, with the cooperation of mosque committees, more than 12,000 volunteers are assisting law enforcement agencies in security measures.

The security strategy includes dividing mosques and Imam Bargahs into categories, with temporary pickets set up at entrances of category "A" mosques and snipers deployed on mosque rooftops. All worshippers undergo comprehensive body searches before entering the mosques, ensuring enhanced security measures.

Special attention has been given to security at Ramazan bazaars and Iftar gatherings, with a ban on temporary stalls around sensitive mosques and the dispersal of beggar gatherings. City markets have received heightened security, including the installation of CCTV cameras at key locations.

To address potential traffic congestion, the City Traffic Police (CTP) Rawalpindi has implemented a special traffic plan, particularly focused on the last Ashra of Ramazan-ul-Mubarik. Chief Traffic Officer Taimoor Khan highlighted the deployment of traffic squads at major intersections, a 24-hour helpline at the Racecourse traffic office, and strict measures against one-wheeling and traffic rule violations.

Traffic wardens have been instructed to maintain vigilance over suspicious vehicles, take action against vehicles with tinted windows or missing number plates, and ensure smooth traffic flow to provide relief to citizens during Ramadan's last Ashra.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th, 2024.