Eid Milad security plan finalised

Rawalpindi to be decorated amid strict regulations, extensive surveillance

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi district administration and police have finalized a comprehensive security plan for this year's Eid Miladun Nabi celebrations, aiming to mark the occasion with full zeal and reverence.

Starting from the 1st of Rabiul Awwal, mosques, Imambargahs, commercial centres, markets, streets, and neighbourhoods across the city will be adorned with colourful flags, decorative arches, and lights to create a festive atmosphere.

As per the newly announced security plan, heavy vehicles including, trucks, tractor trolleys, ox carts, and donkey carts will be prohibited from entering the main Milad processions.

The use of drums, tin cans, weapons, daggers, and large horns has also been banned.

Only light vehicles and pedestrians will be allowed to participate in the processions, and traditional instruments such as hand drums and flutes may be carried.

Political slogans, party flags, banners, and portraits of political leaders will not be permitted in the processions.

Loudspeakers and megaphones may only be used for reciting Naats (poetry in praise of the Prophet), while speeches via loudspeakers are strictly forbidden.

To ensure security, the entire route of the main processions will be monitored using CCTV cameras, which will be installed by the private sector under a formal contract. A dedicated control room will also be established for surveillance.

Motorcycles and vehicles bearing images of political leaders or party symbols will be barred from joining the processions.

By the 10th of Rabiul Awwal, the citywide decoration efforts are expected to be completed. In celebration of the occasion, sweets will be distributed among patients in hospitals and inmates in Adiala Jail, where special Naat gatherings will also be held.

A large police deployment will be in place to ensure order and security. Two major traditional Milad processions will be held in Rawalpindi - one from the city and the other from the cantonment area. The city procession will begin early in the morning from the Central Jamia Mosque, passing through its traditional route – Jamia Masjid Road, Banni Chowk, Kohati Bazaar, Murree Road, Committee Chowk, Iqbal Road, Raja Bazaar, Bagh Sardaran Chowk, and back to the Central Jamia Mosque.