Pindi gears up for Milad processions

Nearly 3,000 neighbourhood Milad committee offices to open

RAWALPINDI:

Preparations for two central 24-hour Milad processions in Rawalpindi city and cantonment have begun with the start of Rabiul Awwal, while the district administration has also tightened security arrangements.

Nearly 3,000 small Milad committee offices are being established in streets and neighbourhoods, while decoration of city markets will begin on Friday. Seerat conferences and Milad gatherings have also started at mosques.

The district administration and police have approved strict security arrangements for both central processions. Orders have been issued to complete the installation of 500 closed-circuit cameras by August 22 for monitoring the Milad processions.

Entry of heavy vehicles, tankers, trolleys, bullock carts, donkey carts, camel carts, handcarts and Qingqi rickshaws has been banned. The use of drums, musical instruments, weapons and drums for beating tin has also been prohibited, while only the dafli has been permitted in place of drums and other instruments.

Political flags, political slogans and pictures of political leaders have also been banned. Only Durood Pak, naats and hamds will be permitted during the processions. Weapons and sticks will also be prohibited, while flags of political parties and clothing resembling political party uniforms have been banned.

The procession from the Central Jamia Mosque Cantt and the central procession from Jamia Mosque Chowngi 22 will begin at 10am. They will pass through designated routes and conclude around Sehri.

Reception camps will be established along one side of the routes of both Milad processions, where drinks, milk, sabeels and langar will be provided.

The entire city will be decorated with colorful flags and electric lights, while buildings and plazas will be decorated like brides.