The citizens of twin cities, during the Eid holidays, headed to parks and hill stations in droves for an outing on the second and third day witnessed worst traffic jams on Margalla road. Hundreds of cars were stuck for hours at length as they tried to reach Damn-e-Koh and Peer-Sohawa.
Despite the best efforts and traffic management plans by Islamabad Traffic Police it took hours to clear the traffic jams. Similar situation replicated itself when thousands of people were stranded for hours en route to Murree. There also it took many hours to put an end to the severe traffic jam.
Some of the favorite spots for Eid excursions among most of the people are Faisal Mosque, Damn-e-koh, Peer Sohawa, Shakar Parian, Pakistan Monument, Lake View Park, Margzar Zoo, Shahdara and Murree. It has been witnessed that on Eid the roads leading to these spots get clogged up as people throng to their favorite spots to have a quality time with their loved ones.
“When I was a kid we used to celebrate Eid at my native village in Jehlum. Then due to certain reasons, we stopped celebrating our Eids there. Now, it’s been more than a decade we have been celebrating Eid here in Islamabad. Most of my friends celebrate Eid here too. We visit each other and relatives on Eid. I’ve come with my kids to visit the zoo, but am stuck here for past 2 hours, even the traffic police have failed to clear the roads. I hope the jam finishes and we can move ahead,” said Ayaan Malik, a commuter who was stuck in a traffic jam.
A decade ago, Islamabad used to wear a deserted look on Eid as many of its residents head to their ancestral lands to celebrate Eid with their extended families. But for the past couple of years, many of the denizens of the capital opt to celebrate Eid here in the city. This has resulted in traffic jams near excursion spots and parks as many head to visit these places on their holidays.