People in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad thronged public parks and picnic resorts on the second and third days of Eid to enjoy holidays with their loved ones. These places received extraordinary rush of people on the second and third day of Eid as people preferred to spend the first day at homes and with relatives.
The parks, which remained crowded, included Shakarparian, Japanese Park, Rose and Jasmine Park, Fatima Jinnah Park, Public Park Rawalpindi, 502 Park, Ayub Park and Shah Baloot Park. Similarly, almost all picnic resorts, including Murree, Daman-i-Koh, Rawal Dam, Chattar Park, Shadrah Valley, Salgiran and Angoori remained jam-packed. Children clad in colourful dresses were seen here and there in the public parks, enjoying different games, swings, snacks, cold drinks and ice creams. Some of the people at these places, especially at Shakarparian, however, complained about sale of substandard and unhygienic food at exorbitant rates.
The price of a cold drink bottle was stated to be Rs 25 at Shakarparian against its retail price of Rs 15. Similarly, a small pack of potato chips was being sold for Rs 20 while its retail price is Rs 10.
Some of the people also complained about lack of cleanliness in the parks and picnic resorts. They demanded of the authorities concerned to ensure better environment in these places. Also, those who visited Rawal Dam complained about improper lighting arrangements. A number of families also complained about lack of security at Chattar Park. They demanded of the local administration to deploy police and security personnel in the park, especially during Eid holidays, to enhance security conditions.
Meanwhile, roads in the federal capital were presenting a deserted look as most of the people had already left the capital before Eid and were expected to return on Monday evening.
The roads in Rawalpindi city and cantonment areas appeared to have little rush of public transport and thin flow of domestic vehicles. There were more people in downtown streets while public parks drew a large number of youths. District and tehsil administrations did not organise any special festival on the occasion as per Prime Minister's announcement to celebrate the Eid with simplicity and contributing the money for flood victims.