Islamabad: People turn to picnic spots, public parks in large numbers

[Naveed Yaseen]

ISLAMABAD: Picnic spots and public parks in the federal capital witnessed traditional festivity on the second and third days of Eidul Azha, as a large number of the people turned up to have a break from the hectic daily schedule.
After spending first Eid day (Saturday) in sacrificing animals and distributing meat, and meeting relatives and friends, the people including children thronged Fatima Jinnah Park, Marghazar Zoo, Rawal Lake, Daman-e-Koh, Shadara, Pakistan monument at Shakarparian, Rose and Jasmine Garden, Pir Sohawa, and View Park on sunny Sunday and cloudy Monday. Some people went to nearby hilly places like Bhurban, Patriata and Murree.
Parking lots at the recreational spots were full to the capacity. Long queues of vehicles were seen with motorists waiting to find a place to park. Traffic on the roads leading to these spots was in mess. Groups of youngsters riding motorbikes also troubled road users, especially those traveling with families.
Zainab, a girl, said she along the family had come all the way from Gujranwala to celebrate Eid with grandparents in Islamabad. “We’re enjoying a lot,” she said during a visit to Daman-e-Koh.
Noor Fatimah, a visitor to Pir Sohawa, said the place was ideal for picnic, as the people could have a good leisure time there looking out over the entire city.
“The skyline seems getting blurred and the wind blows gently here. It’s awesome,” she said. He said the newly-built restaurant and handicraft shops made her visit excellent.
At Lake View Park, many visitors cooked food, especially on a spit. A visitor, Ahad, said he mostly stayed out of the country and found the park of international standard. “The park has all facilities for visitors,” he said. He said Capital Development Authority (CDA) should develop more such recreational places in the city.
Oheed Ahmed, a youngster from Lahore, said Pir Sohawa’s refreshing environment and scenic beauty was beyond compare. He said Pakistan Monument, Daman-e-Koh and Rawal Lake Park were also good places in the capital to visit.
Public park stallholders selling snacks, tea, coffee and soft drinks reported a good business on Eid days.
Meanwhile, local graveyards also witnessed a great rush of people, who showed up to visit graves of their near and dear ones and pray for them.
Maryam, 8, said she had come to the graveyard to lay floral wreath at the grave of her father, who died last year.
“It is hard for me to forget my dearly loved papa. As the Eid day approaches, his memory haunts me a lot because he used to bring me lots of things on the day,” she said with tearful eyes.

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