RAWALPINDI: The district administration has decided to close the route of the Muharram 9 procession on Monday (today) after Asr prayers by placing containers. Traders of Raja Bazaar and adjoining areas were asked to close their shops.

Deputy Commissioner Tahir Farooq told Dawn that the administration and local police made arrangements to maintain peace during Muharram. He said megaphones would not be allowed in the district under the National Action plan, especially during Muharram. All scholars have been asked to help police and the administration maintain peace.

Meanwhile, Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC), Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) and Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) on Sunday completed arrangements forAshuraprocessions in city areas and removed all hurdles along traditional routes. The district administration has set up control rooms for Muharram activities at the office of RMC building on Liaquat Road. It established relief camps at Committee Chowk, Fawara Chowk, Dingi Khohi, Sadiqabad and Shah Nazar Pull.

Officials of the health department,Wasa, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and district administration have been deployed at these camps.

Deputy Commissioner Tahir Farooq visited the area and inspected street lights and maintenance work. He expressed satisfaction and asked the departments concerned to remain alert during the procession to avoid any fault of street lights as the procession will culminate late at night.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2022