Eidul Azha: Citizens throng public places during Eid holidays

Family outings, red-meat heavy lunches and dinners were the norm

ISLAMABAD: Eidul Azha was enthusiastically celebrated in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

The largest Eid prayer congregation was held at Faisal Mosque.

Following prayers, people began slaughtering sacrificial animals.

A large number of alms seekers were also seen roaming the streets to collect the meat, despite police claims prior to Eid that this would be controlled.

Meanwhile, representatives of banned outfits were also seen collecting hides.

In spite of the ghost town status that the capital city has historically maintained during Eid holidays, the city was relatively lively, even more so on Thursday as people began returning from their hometowns.



Yasir Khan, a resident of I-9, said that it was good to see people returning to Islamabad after celebrating Eid.

“Many markets, food outlets and restaurants were closed for Eid, which made it difficult to manage food,” Khan added.

Similarly, the availability of buses and wagons in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi was very limited, and those who visited recreational spots had to pay inflated fares for taxis and other private transport.

While private schools largely remained closed, government schools had opened, however, the attendance was low.

There was predominantly low attendance observed in other educational institutes and offices on the first working day after the holidays.

Meanwhile, citizens had a ball in parks and recreational spots on the second day of Eid.

Many visitors, primarily families, were seen at popular spots such as Lake View Park, Shakarparian, Marghazar Zoo, Daman-e-Koh, Rose and Jasmine Garden, and Japanese Park. The zoo also attracted a sizable number of visitors.

Some people also set up barbeque grills in public parks.

Rain on the first day of Eid turned the weather pleasant in the twin cities, which added to the appeal of engaging in outdoor activities.

Moreover, citizens thronged Murree on the second day of Eid.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2016.