Rising costs overshadow Eid festivities

Allama Iqbal Park remained closed throughout Eid for cricket security

RAWALPINDI:

Skyrocketing inflation, higher transport fares and increased admission charges at amusement facilities including public parks significantly dampened Eidul Azha festivities across Rawalpindi this year.

Residents also complained that security arrangements for the ongoing Pakistan-Australia cricket fixtures deprived a large section of the city's population of one of its most popular recreational venues during the Eid holidays.

The city's largest public recreational facility, Allama Iqbal Park, remained completely closed for four consecutive days, including throughout the Eid break, due to security measures associated with cricket matches and training sessions. The park was sealed off and surrounded by barbed wire, security barricades and temporary fencing.

Traditionally, the park attracts up to 100,000 visitors daily during Eid holidays. However, its closure this year left thousands of families living in surrounding neighbourhoods without access to a major public leisure facility.

Although families flocked to parks and amusement centres after offering Eid prayers, performing sacrificial rites and distributing meat among relatives and the needy, many said soaring costs had curtailed their ability to enjoy the festivities fully.

Parks across the city remained crowded from late afternoon until after midnight on the first day of Eid. However, many families opted to bring home-cooked meals and refreshments with them rather than purchase food inside parks, citing rising prices and financial pressures.

Visitors reported that round-trip transport expenses to recreational venues had reached as much as Rs1,000 for many households. Meanwhile, operators increased charges for several attractions, attributing the rise to higher electricity costs.

Tickets for dodging cars, high-riding attractions, boating facilities, electronic and computer games, and monorail rides were reportedly more expensive than in previous years. Camel and horse rides continued to cost around Rs100 per ride.

Food prices within recreational areas also drew criticism, with a plate of chaat selling for approximately Rs350, a plate of gol gappay for Rs250, bottled juice for Rs250 and snack items for around Rs100. Vehicle parking charges reached Rs150, while boating services cost between Rs600 and Rs700 and chairlift rides ranged from Rs700 to Rs800.