Local holiday announced on the occasion of Chehlum

Rawalpindi: As part of security and administrative measures, the Punjab government has declared a local holiday in the relevant districts on the occasion of Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), while temporary changes have also been implemented in some routes of Metro Bus service due to the main procession in Rawalpindi. The administration has appealed to the citizens to get information about the traffic plan and alternative routes before traveling.

According to a notification issued by the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), district offices and offices under the Deputy Commissioners in the respective districts will remain closed due to local holidays. However, the notification has clarified that this holiday will not apply to the Punjab Civil Secretariat, autonomous bodies and regional offices and official business will continue there as usual.

On the other hand, temporary changes have also been made in the operation of the Rawalpindi Metro Bus Service on the instructions of the district administration. According to Metro Bus officials, the service from Saddar Station to Faizabad will remain temporarily suspended, while buses from IJP Road to Pak Secretariat will continue to run as per their normal schedule so that citizens can have alternative travel facilities.

The administration says that during the main procession, traffic movement on some important highways may be affected to make security effective and maintain traffic flow. Therefore, citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and if travel is unavoidable, they must obtain information about official traffic advisories and alternative routes before departure.

According to officials, close coordination has been maintained between the police, traffic police, rescue agencies and the district administration to ensure law and order, public convenience and traffic management effectively during the procession. The administration has also made it clear that further administrative decisions or changes in traffic arrangements may be made according to the situation.

Government officials say that the aim of these measures is to ensure public safety, better traffic management and protect citizens from possible difficulties during religious gatherings. Appealing to citizens for cooperation, the administration has said that following the instructions issued will help in keeping the security and traffic system effective.