The district administration of Rawalpindi has announced a public holiday for August 26, citing the scheduled observance of Hazrat Imam Hussain’s Chehlum procession.
The official notification, issued on Sunday, confirms that all government offices, as well as public and private educational institutions, will remain closed on Monday across the Cantonment, City, Saddar, and District Rawalpindi areas. This decision aims to facilitate the smooth conduct of the religious event, ensuring minimal disruption to the public while maintaining security and order.
However, the directive exempts emergency services and other essential departments, allowing them to continue operations without interruption. The administration’s measures are part of a broader security plan for the day, as nearly 4,400 police officers, including 215 traffic police officials, will be deployed to maintain law and order during the procession. The heavy police presence underscores the importance of security, given the significant number of participants expected to attend the religious gathering.
In preparation for the event, authorities have also announced road closures, with routes leading to the procession site being blocked from Sunday night onward. This is intended to prevent any traffic congestion and ensure the safety of those attending the procession. Residents are advised to plan their travel accordingly and avoid the affected areas to minimize inconvenience.
In addition to these measures, the Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education has decided to postpone the matriculation exam that was scheduled for August 26. This postponement reflects the administration’s commitment to accommodating the procession while ensuring that students are not adversely affected by the day’s events. Overall, these actions highlight the district administration’s efforts to balance religious observance with public safety and convenience.
