Ashura to be observed in Pindi today

Rawalpindi:On 'Ashura' day, a total of 64 'Matmi' processions of 'taazia', 'zuljinnah' and 'alam' will be taken out in various parts of Rawalpindi.

To ensure safety and security, Commissioner Rawal­pindi Division Aamir Khattak has deployed six companies of the Pakistan Army and additional police personnel throughout Rawalpindi. This is in response to any potential emergency situation on Youm-e-Ashur. The local administration, with the assistance of the police, has also installed closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras for comprehensive monitoring of category A processions. Over 500 army personnel, Rangers, and a significant force of 6,000 police officers will be on duty in Rawalpindi.

Fifteen main processions will begin from the following locations: Yaadgar-i-Hussain, Satellite Town; Imambargah Balti, Angatpura; Imambargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain, College Road; Imambargah Hifazat Ali, Bohar Bazaar; Imambargah Chamanzar Colony; Shah Chan Chiragh, Sadiqabad, and other Imambargahs.

On the 10th of Muharram, 113 'majalis' and 64 'zuljinnah' processions will take place in Rawalpindi. There will be 12 'A' category 'majalis', 15 'B' category 'majalis', and 86 'C' category 'majalis'. Similarly, there will be 10 'A' category 'matmi' processions, 8 'B' category processions, and 40 'C' category processions.

The main 'zuljinnah' procession will commence from Imambargah Colonel Maqbool Hussain at 8 a.m. and culminate at Qadeemi Imambargah after 'Maghrib' on Wednesday. The main procession covers a distance of 2 kilometers and goes through 7 vulnerable points, passing through Noorani Masjid, Teli Mohallah; Kalya Wali Masjid, Iqbal Road near Chitti Hattian; Hanafia Masjid near Naya Mohallah; Fawara Chowk; Taleem-ul-Quran, Dingi Khoi Chowk; Hanafia Masjid, Purana Qila; and Jamia Masjid Road.

Joint processions are planned at Imambargah Fazal Hussain, Imambargah Colonel Maqbool, Imambargah Baltistania, Imambargah Hefazat Ali Shah, Imambargah Yadgar-e-Hussain, Imambargah Shah Chan Chiragh, Imambargah Ashiq Hussain, and Imambargah Qadeemi.

There are a total of 109 flashpoints, of which 70 are in Category 'A' and 39 are in Category 'B', while 25 points have been deemed the most sensitive in Rawalpindi. Following the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, the Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi (MCR) has initiated the 'Mobile Sabeel Service' across the city. Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi (MCR) Chief Officer Imran Ali mentioned that all procession routes have been cleared from encroachments. He added that the 'Regulation Wing' will remain active 24-hours to ensure the clearance of procession routes.

Officials, along with the peace committee, have inspected the route of the main procession and the monitoring mechanism of the control room at the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC), Rawalpindi Hasan Waqar Cheema has authorized only registered 'Langers' and 'Sabeels' on procession routes on 'Ashura' day. Unregistered 'Langers' and 'Sabeels' are prohibited, and strict action will be taken in case of violation, the DC warned. He also assured that every possible measure would be taken to ensure a peaceful Ashura event, with the Rawalpindi administration and police being fully active and alert. On another note, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has made arrangements for Ashura and completed patchwork on the routes of the mourning processions, repaired roads, streetlights, and removed encroachments.

As per a traffic diversion plan, traffic on Shah Allah Ditta Road will be diverted towards Dhoke Dalal, TB Hospital, Pirwadhai, and Asghar Mall Road. Similarly, traffic will be diverted from Bakery Chowk towards Banni Chowk and Link Road. Traffic will also be redirected from Dingi Khoi and Jamia Masjid Road, diverting from Hamilton Chowk and Banswala Chowk. Additionally, traffic headed toward the old Imambargah Baltistan will be entirely blocked at Pir Chauha Chowk. Both sides of Imambargah Yadgar-i-Hussain will also experience diversions.

The Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) has cancelled holidays for its staff and deployed additional workers to ensure cleanliness of Imambargahs and the Ashura procession routes. Waste containers along the routes have been washed, while drains have been cleaned and sprinkled with lime. Workers will implement manual sweeping during the processions as well as after the procession, mechanical sweeping will be carried out. Special cleaning arrangements have been made around the main Ashura procession routes and Imambargahs.