RAWALPINDI: Extra traffic police personnel have been deployed in the main markets of the garrison city to facilitate citizens in the last 10 days of Ramazan when there will be rush of people for Eidul Fitr shopping.
On the other hand, the use of side-view mirrors and indicators on motorcycles has been declared mandatory in Murree to prevent accidents.
A spokesman for the City Traffic Police Rawalpindi said following instructions from Chief Traffic Officer Beenish Fatima, more personnel had been deployed to ensure smooth traffic flow in busy markets and shopping centres.
The CTO ordered deployment of more than 50 personnel from the Traffic Headquarters Race Course on the field duty. These additional personnel will be deployed at Commercial Market, Tench Bazaar,
Raja Bazaar, Saddar, Adiala Road, various commercial centres and shopping malls in Sadiqabad and other areas to ensure traffic flow.
Keeping in mind the rush of shoppers, the traffic police have made Tench Bazaar one-way.
The CTO said traffic managements will be made more effective in all major markets and strict action will be taken against illegal parking, encroachments and violations of traffic rules.
Citizens have been asked to park their vehicles in the designated areas and comply with traffic rules.
“Wrong parking and parking of vehicles on roads affects the flow of traffic against which action will be taken. City Traffic Police officers will be active in markets on foot to control traffic and help citizens,” the CTO said.
In case of any difficulty, citizens can contact the traffic police helpline number 051-9274843 or seek guidance from the nearest traffic official.
Meanwhile, on the directives of Additional Inspector General of Police Punjab Mirza Faran Baig, a special road safety campaign has been launched in Murree. The use of side-view mirrors and indicators on motorcycles has been made mandatory to prevent accidents.
The traffic police spokesman said under the supervision of CTO Murree Mughees Ahmed Hashmi, legal action was being taken in case of violation. Moreover, an awareness campaign is also underway in Murree.
As part of the campaign, squads of traffic wardens have been formed across the city to create awareness among bike riders about side-view mirrors and helmets.
The CTO Murree said obtaining a driving licence had been made easy. “Bring your original identity card and acquire your driving licence,” the spokesman said.
Strict action will be taken against those found driving motorcycles without a driving licence.
Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2025