Rawalpindi City Traffic Police (CTP) have finalized a comprehensive traffic management plan for Youm-e-Ashura, deploying more than 1,100 traffic officers and personnel across the city to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety. Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Farhan Aslam announced that traffic arrangements have been finalized, with several key roads and intersections to remain closed or diverted due to Ashura processions and security measures.
Key Road Closures and Diversions
According to the traffic plan, all types of traffic will be prohibited from entering Iqbal Road from Committee Chowk. At DAV College Chowk, diversions will restrict access to College Road and Fawara Chowk. Traffic on City Saddar Road will be redirected from the Mashriq Hotel diversion point towards Saddar and Mohanpura. Vehicles heading towards Kashmiri Bazaar will be halted at Cinema Chowk due to diversions. On Shah Allah Ditta Road, motorists will be guided to alternative routes.
Complete Diversions at Key Intersections
Complete diversions will be enforced at Banni Chowk, with traffic routed through Circular Road and Kohati Bazaar. Additional diversions will be in place at Hamilton Chowk and Banswala Chowk. At Pir Choha Chowk, a diversion will block traffic access towards the historic Imambargah Baltistania. For the Satellite Town procession, diversions will be implemented on both sides of Imambargah Yadgar Hussaini, with traffic redirected in phases to alternative routes as the procession proceeds.
Coordination and Public Advisory
CTO Farhan Aslam emphasized that traffic flow and security arrangements on Youm-e-Ashura will be ensured through coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies and the public. He urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel towards Raja Bazaar on the day of Ashura and cooperate with police to facilitate smooth traffic management. The CTO also directed all traffic officers and personnel to remain on high alert and strictly implement the traffic plan to maintain order and ensure public convenience during the observance.
