Karachi, Rawalpindi announce traffic plans for Eid Miladun Nabi processions

KARACHI: Karachi and Rawalpindi traffic police have finalised traffic management plans for Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) processions scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, with road closures, diversions and restrictions on heavy vehicles announced to facilitate the movement of commuters.

In Karachi, three major processions are planned. The first, led by Maulana Yaqoob Attari, will leave Shaheed-e-Millat Masjid at 2:30pm, pass through Numaish Chowrangi and conclude around Asr prayers. A second procession, led by Maulana Akbar Sadran, will depart Central Meethi Masjid at 2:30pm and travel through Aram Bagh before concluding around Asr.

The third procession, led by Maulana Shah Abdullah Qadri, will leave Central Meethi Masjid at 3pm and proceed towards Nishtar Park, where it is expected to end around 6pm. A Miladun Nabi conference will follow at Nishtar Park.

Traffic police said several roads in the Central, East and South districts would be closed or subject to diversions. Routes around Guru Mandir, Garden, Liaquatabad, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Jamshed Road, MA Jinnah Road, Saddar and Pakistan Chowk will be affected. MA Jinnah Road will remain closed, with access restricted to vehicles carrying valid windscreen stickers for the processions.

Heavy and commercial vehicles will be barred from operating in Karachi on Wednesday. Parking along procession routes will also be prohibited, while traffic officers will be stationed at diversion points to assist motorists. Citizens have been advised to avoid affected roads and use alternative routes. The Karachi Traffic Police helpline can be reached at 1915 for assistance.

In Rawalpindi, more than 910 traffic personnel will be deployed to manage two major processions. The first will begin at Jamia Masjid Hanfia and pass through Pul Shah Nazar, Banni Chowk, Murree Road, Committee Chowk, Liaquat Road, Fawara Chowk and Dingi Khoi before ending at Jamia Masjid.

Murree Road will be closed in both directions during the procession. Traffic between Rawalpindi and Islamabad will be diverted through alternative routes, while vehicles travelling from Liaquat Bagh towards Fawara Chowk will be redirected from DAV College towards Gawalmandi.

The second procession will start from 22 Number Chungi and pass through Tanch Road, Dhoke Syedan Chowk, Kalma Chowk, Adra Road, MH Chowk, Mehfooz Chowk, Mansehra Adda, Cantt Police Station, Nishter Street, Adam Jee Road, Railway Road, Military Accounts and Kamran Market before concluding at GTS Chowk.

Additional diversions will be introduced around Kalma Chowk, Harley Street, Khatak Chowk, CMH, Tanch, Mall Road, Peshawar Road, Qasim Market, Sher Khan Road, Kacheri Chowk and TM Chowk.

Rawalpindi CTO Farhan Aslam said tractors, trailers and trucks would not be permitted on procession routes, while parking would be banned within 300 yards of the stage. Special arrangements have also been made to ensure ambulances, fire engines and other emergency vehicles can move through the affected areas.

The authorities in both cities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel on procession routes and follow the instructions of traffic personnel.

The federal government has declared August 26 a public holiday for Eid Miladun Nabi. The occasion, observed on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal, is marked across Pakistan with religious gatherings, processions and special prayers.