Twin cities gear up forEid-e-Milad celebrations

All arrangements have been finalised for the celebration of Eid Miladun Nabi (pbuh) on the 12th of Rabiul Awwal (today), marking the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad will observe the occasion with religious fervour and enthusiasm.

Rawalpindi has been beautifully decorated with colourful lights and buntings. The city's roads, streets and buildings are adorned to celebrate the birth of the Prophet (pbuh). Various programmes, including Naat competitions, are planned to honour the day.

The government and religious organisations have coordinated numerous activities for the event. Milad processions will take place throughout Rawalpindi, with strict security measures in place. The Punjab Government has instructed local authorities to ensure robust security for the processions.

The main Milad procession will start from Bani Chowk and traverse through Circular Road, Waris Khan, Murree Road, Committee Chowk, Iqbal Road, Fawara Chowk, and Raja Bazaar, concluding at the central Jamia Mosque Rawalpindi. The district administration has set up a control room to oversee security and manage the processions. Heavy vehicles will be prohibited from the procession route, and security measures will include walkthrough gates and body searches.

Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Mehmood Hamdani confirmed that over 5,000 police officers will be deployed, with more than 450 officers managing traffic. Snipers will be positioned on rooftops, and streets leading to the procession routes will be sealed.

In preparation for the event, vendors across the city are offering a range of decorative items, from colourful lights to eco-friendly decorations. Markets are bustling with activity as citizens eagerly prepare their homes and mosques. Some vendors report higher demand this year, while others highlight their focus on sustainability.

Two major central processions will take place in Rawalpindi and Cantt. The Rawalpindi procession will start from the central Jamia Masjid, passing through key locations before returning to the starting point. The Cantt procession will begin at Chungi No 22 and cover various streets before ending at Kamran Market Chowk.

Free milk, sweets, and drinks will be provided to procession participants and langar will be distributed. Prizes will be awarded for the best Naat recitations.

For security, 5,000 personnel will be deployed, and alternative traffic routes have been arranged. Restrictions include banning heavy vehicles, carts and political slogans along the procession routes.

with additional input from APP