Eid Milad preparations in full swing

Markets and streets echo with praise for the Holy Prophet (PBUH)

RAWALPINDI:

Preparations for Eid Miladun Nabi, celebrating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), have commenced across the city following the sighting of the Rabiul Awal moon.

Illuminations have been set up throughout Rawalpindi, while the district administration and police have rolled out security plans and regulations for the two main processions associated with the celebration.

Strict security measures are being implemented, including the installation of 500 security cameras along the procession routes, with support from the private sector.

Large vehicles such as trucks, trolleys, and bull carts are banned from entering the processions. Additionally, items such as musical instruments, weapons, and axes are prohibited, although the traditional duff will be allowed. Smaller vehicles like motorbikes, cars, and decorated vehicles will be permitted, but bull carts, donkey carts, and horse carts are not allowed. Parking of vehicles and motorcycles along the procession routes is also forbidden.

According to officials, there is a strict prohibition on fireworks, political sloganeering, and hate speech directed at any religious group during the processions. All Milad procession organisers will be required to attend meetings with the deputy commissioner and local assistant commissioners to ensure these rules are followed.

A total of 4,500 police officers will be deployed to provide security for the events. The city's main milad procession, starting from Jamia Masjid Cantt, will commence from the central mosque in Chungi No 22. Participants can recite Naat and Durood Sharif, but religious speeches are banned.

The deputy commissioner has directed the municipal corporation to ensure thorough cleaning, repair street lights, and remove construction materials along the procession routes. Meetings with the 4,000 local street committees, including the central milad committees, have also been scheduled.

Milad Committee Chairman Chaudhary Aleem Arain stated that a meeting will be held on Friday to finalise the preparations. The city has begun being decorated with colourful flags and lights, with bridal-like embellishments of markets, streets, neighbourhoods, and public and private buildings to be completed by the 10th of Rabiul Awal.

Daily meetings of Milad committees will continue, while Tehreek Nifaaz Fiqh Jafaria has announced its celebration of milad from the 12th to the 17th of Rabiul Awal.