The first phase of the three-day Tableeghi Ijtima concluded in Raiwind on Sunday with special prayers led by Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim for the prosperity and solidarity of the country and unity of the Muslim world.
Hundreds of thousands of people from across Pakistan and other countries attended the annual congregation in Raiwind, about 36 kilometers from Lahore. Thousands of people from across the city reached the venue in the morning to attend the special prayer that started at 8:45am and concluded at 9:05am. Before Ijtemai-dua, Maulana Muhammad Khurshid briefed the participants about proper manners for offering dua. Maulana Khurshid gave instructions to the delegates sitting in the pandal before the prayer, the closing prayer was given by Maulana Ibrahim of India and every eye was full of tears during the prayer and everyone was praying before Allah and asking for His mercy. Emotional scenes were witnessed when Maulana Muhammad Ibrahim prayed to Almighty for forgiveness of sins, setting aside differences and making Pakistan a strong and stable welfare state with a trembling voice while tears in his eyes. He prayed Almighty to end our collective problems and make Pakistan a peaceful country, bring unity among people fighting against each other due to differences in faith. He prayed Allah to enable Muslims to follow the teaching of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in letter and spirit. He also prayed for the unity of the entire Muslim Ummah by setting aside all differences. Emotional scenes were witnessed during the long prayers. Like the leader of the prayers, all participants were weeping while praying. After the prayer, thousands of groups set out in the way for Islam at home and abroad and hundreds of people also registered their names to join the Tablighi Jamaat for three and four-day Chilla. According to estimate, more than 500,000 people participated in the prayers. When they started leaving a massive traffic congestion was observed on Raiwind Road and later Multan Road and Ferozepur Road. On this occasion, foolproof security arrangements were made by the police and sanitation arrangements by the administration.
The event, which drew participants from near and far, witnessed impeccable traffic management by the city’s dedicated traffic police. Central Police Officer Mushtaq Feroze along with SP Malik Ikramullah personally oversaw the operation. They remained vigilant on Raiwind Road until the very last vehicle left, ensuring a seamless departure. A commendable team of 999 traffic wardens, 253 inspectors, 13 DSPs, and 3 SPs worked tirelessly throughout the Raiwind Ijtema. To further streamline the process, 20 forklifts, 5 breakdown vehicles were deployed and 7 spacious parking stands were set up for the convenience of the participants. The evacuation strategy prioritized motorcycle stands, followed by cars, vans, buses, and ultimately trucks. This strategic approach ensured that the evacuation was completed within a mere five hours, leaving everyone impressed with the efficiency of the operation. In a statement, the Lahore CPO expressed his gratitude to all officers involved, with special recognition for the exceptional service of SP Malik Ikramullah.
