–Citizens irked amid gridlocks on major roads
–Biking daredevils spell misery for commuters
LAHORE: Citizens across the provincial capital on Tuesday observed the country’s 72nd Independence Day with traditional fervour. The celebrations that started on Monday-Tuesday midnight lasted for 24 hours where a large number of citizens took to the roads of the metropolis.
While the people from all walks of life along with their children were seen celebrating the day, a majority of families were seen irked over the behaviour of some bikers. Not only did the biking daredevils created a traffic mess on all major roads of the city, they also put their and others’ lives at steak with their reckless motorcycling. Some bikers causing nuisance to other commuters were also seen harassing them, especially women.
Despite Home Department’s ban on any kinds of gathering on Mall Road, Faisal Chowk – the erstwhile Charing Cross – remained the gathering point of citizens.
Besides The Mall, a huge traffic mess was witnessed on Canal Road, Jail Road, Multan Road, Ferozepur Road, GT Road, Allama Iqbal Road and Wahdat Road, where people covered distances of a few kilometers in hours. Clashes led to through road rages were also observed in different parts of the city as commuters were seen extremely frustrated amid the gridlocks.
A large number of families also took to the Wagah Border, Jilani Park, Bagh-e-Jinnah, Sozo Water Park, Jallo Park, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park, Greater Iqbal Park, Shalamar Park, Lahore Fort, the Zoo and other recreational places to enjoy the mid-week holiday.
Dressed in flag-themed clothes, both children and adults, were seen marking the Independence Day with a renewed spirit of patriotism.
Meanwhile, the local administration and government departments also organised different programmes to mark the day. All major buildings were also illuminated while displays of fireworks were also held across the city.