People swarm recreational spots in a relaxed security situation. PHOTO: HUMA CHOUDHARY/EXPRESS
After a month of fasting in the gruelling summer heat, residents of the twin cities enjoyed Eid holidays to the brim at public parks, recreational spots and private gatherings at restaurants and homes. Unlike last year, Eid was much more jovial this year owing to a relaxed security situation.
The main roads remained jam-packed as residents of Lahore, Bahawalpur, Multan, Peshawar and Gujranwala came to the twin cities to celebrate Eid. The majority of them, however, travelled North to Murree and Galiyat region.
Women and children dressed in vibrant colours were seen enjoying at different recreational venues such as Lake View Park, Japanese Park, Marghzar Zoo, Daman-e-Koh, Pir Sohawa, Jinnah Market and various markets and malls.
Parks in Rawalpindi were also choked. Families with young children enjoyed swings and recreation at Nawaz Sharif Park, Bachon Ki Dunya (Park), Ayub Park and Jinnah Park. Restaurants were packed and cinemas fully booked during the Eid holidays as well.
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An interesting sight was a car full of young men cheering and wearing Guy Fawkes masks on Murree Road. Young men were also seen doing wheel tricks on motorbikes at Faizabad bridge.
Some people, however, could not reach their destinations due to traffic situation especially those going to Lake View Park and Murree.
“We tried going to the Lake View Park yesterday but could not as we got stuck in very bad traffic. But today we are having a lot of fun at the Zoo” said Mehvish Ahmed, a visitor at Marghzar Zoo.
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“I am having fun time here with my nephews and nieces, however, the way people are littering a public park is not acceptable. The authorities should fine trash throwers as garbage can be very dangerous for children,” said Farah Naz, a visitor at a public park.
While for some, Eid was all about visiting public picnic spots and parks, for others it was having gatherings with friends and family at home.
People swarm recreational spots in a relaxed security situation. PHOTO: HUMA CHOUDHARY/EXPRESS
“Eid was nice this time as all of our family members got together and we enjoyed home-cooked meals. Eid, however, is not as lively as it used to be in old days when our kids were younger,” said Ruksana Saeed, a housewife.
Around 350,000 vehicles travelled from Rawalpindi to Islamabad and vice versa and about 200,000 to Murree, according to the traffic police.
“Between 40,000 to 50,000 people are returning from Murree and Nathia Gali daily after celebrating Eid and we are doing our best to keep traffic organised” said a senior Islamabad Traffic Police official Khalid Rasheed.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 22nd, 2015.
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