The federal capital has witnessed a significant influx of people with enhanced economic activities, as many temporary shops, hotels and stalls have been set up in the surrounding areas of 'Azadi March' venue. Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh, Islamabad Zoo, Playland and F9 Park are the main attractions for the visitors, mostly participants of Azadi March. The markets of Peshawar Morr (G-9/4) and Karachi Company (G-9/1) witnessed maximum influx of people.

According to many visitors, Faisal Mosque was their favorite place to visit and offer prayer. "We had been planning to visit Faisal Mosque since long but finally we got this chance and came here," they commented. A visit to G-9 Markaz revealed that huge number of Azadi March participants were busy in shopping at different shops including medical stores. An owner of medical store told this scribe that 20 percent increase was recorded in his daily sale as huge number of Azadi March participants visited his shop.

Shinwari Restaurant, famous for selling mutton Palao and beef, presented a crowded look, as a huge number of Azadi March participants were present at lunch time. Amin Ahmed, a resident of Sukkur, told Business Recorder that he is visiting Islamabad for the first time. "Azadi March gave me a chance to visit different tourist spots in the federal capital," he said. Ahmed said he visited F-9 Park, Centaurs Mall and Zoo. "I don't know whether I will visit Islamabad again or not," he added.

However, he said there is no restriction from their Emir (leader) in Azadi March, but they have been instructed to follow the rules strictly. Hafiz Hassan Ali, a resident of Buner district, said he came here for the second time. "I visited PIMS in 2015 with my father", said Ali, adding that he is happy to visit areas he watched most of the time in photos or on television.

The government before the arrival of 'Azadi March' in federal capital, blocked almost every entry point linking Islamabad with rest of the country which created serious inconveniences for the residents of twin cities. Furthermore, Metro bus service is also suspended by the authorities that multiplied the residents' troubles. Taking full advantage of the roads blockage, taxi drivers are charging more than double. "It took me around 1.5 hour to reach PIMS from Satellite Town after paying Rs 400 to taxi," said Waqar, a resident of Rawalpindi, adding that in routine it takes 15 minutes.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019