Eid-ul-Azha festivities continue on third day

Many people across the country sacrificed their animals on the third day of Eid-ul-Azha on Monday to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. 

Those who fulfilled the ritual on the first and second days of Eid-ul-Azha enjoyed the third day at various recreational parks across the country, while others started returning from their hometowns to resume work on Tuesday as the four-day holiday announced by the government ends Monday.

Major bus stops of Islamabad and Rawalpindi — in Faizabad and Pirwadhai — were crowded on Monday as people waited to return to their destinations to resume work or studies.

Arsalan Zahid, a father of three children, said he went to his father’s house in Bahawalpur for Eid but was returning to resume work Tuesday morning.

“This year I booked the seats in advance to avoid the hassle of not finding seats,” he said.

Those who did not buy tickets earlier had to spend their Eid holidays making arrangements for their tickets.

Zaheer Shah, another passenger at the Faizabad bus stop, said he had been trying for the last two days but succeeded only last night in getting three seats.

“We enjoyed Eid with our parents in Multan but wanted to return earlier to spend time with our friends,” said Zeeshan, an employee at the ministry of housing and works. “But unavailability of seats ruined all our plans.”

He added transporters were charging extra fares as they knew people had no choice but to pay the prices they had set.

The authorities concerned should take steps to stop the transport mafia blackmailing people, he added.

On swings and slides

On the other hand, those who did not have to face the hassle of booking air, rail or bus tickets continued to enjoy the third day of Eid.

Those who fulfilled the ritual of sacrificing animals on the first and second day of Eid-ul-Azha flocked to the numerous parks in the twin cities – Nawaz Sharif Park, Ayub National Park and Rawal Lake View Park, among others.

“It’s fun to spend Eid at such aesthetically developed recreational spots,” said Amjad, who was at Nawaz Sharif Park with his family.  

However, they too complained of transporters charging exorbitant prices to take them from one destination to the other. A large number of youngsters and families, therefore, managed to reach the parks on motorbikes.

People also complained about having to pay extra money to park their vehicles at most of the recreational spots. 

They were of the view that the government should make entry to all the parks with parking facilities free and the prices of all items at canteens should be checked and controlled by the authorities concerned.