Twin cities gear up for Eid Milad celebrations

With the sighting of the Rabiul Awwal moon, preparations for Eid Miladun Nabi have begun in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

According to the sources, decoration of streets and bazaars with colourful flags and electric lights will begin from Wednesday (tomorrow) and on 10th Rabiul Awwal, the entire city will sparkle like a bride.

Local Milad committees have started setting up offices in neighbourhoods. The central Seerat and Milad committees have also called meetings on Friday, August 29, to finalise arrangements for the three main Milad processions in the twin cities.

The district administration has issued a new SOP for the processions, announcing various restrictions along with formal rules and approving a comprehensive security plan. Under the new regulations, political sloganeering and party flags have been strictly prohibited. The use of drums, cans, or loud instruments has also been banned, but only the daf (hand drum) is permitted. Smaller Milad committees will not be allowed to install loudspeakers. Entry of heavy vehicles, tractors, trolleys, bullock carts, camel carts, and donkey carts into the processions has also been prohibited.

Speeches by political leaders or containing sectarian content have also been banned, said sources.