Rawalpindi: Eidul Fitr prayers were arranged at over 600 different places in city and cantonment areas where thousands of people offered prayers under tight security. The overall law and order situation in Rawalpindi city remained peaceful as a number of police officials were deployed around every mosque and ‘Eidgah’ to avoid any untoward incident on the occasion.
After Eid prayers, ‘Khateebs’ prayed for the prosperity of Pakistan.
A large number of beggars were seen roaming around ‘Eidgahs’ and mosques at the time of Eid prayers. Hundreds of people distributed ‘fitrana’ and alms among beggars on the occasion. Several people distributed ‘Halwa & Poori’, sweets and rice among the poor on first day of Eidul Fitr.
The recreational spots of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad were jam packed with locals on 3rd day of Eidul Fitr. The main spots included Rawal Lake View Park, Fatima Jinnah Park, Shakarparian, Daman-e-Koh, Rawal Dam, Pir Sohawa in the federal capital were seen overcrowded, while Public Park, Ayub Park, Safari Park, Race Course Park, Jinnah Park and Roomi Park in Rawalpindi were packed with people enjoying every moment of the Eid festivity In this regard.
The visitors have complained of overcharging by taxicabs and rickshaws to reach recreational spots. The taxicabs and rickshaws have demanded skyrocketing fares even for a short distance. The rates of chips, biscuits, burgers, soft drinks, mineral water and other items were almost double in the parks of twin cities as compared to open markets on Eid days. The rates of swings were also high on Eid days.
Cloudy weather made people happy as public enjoyed three days of Eid in pleasant weather. Dozens of people also arranged different kinds of swings at open places and streets including Jamia Masjid Road, College Road, Committee Chowk, Bohar Bazaar, Bara Bazaar and along Benazir Bhutto Road on the first day of Eid. They showed tricks of animals, including monkeys, dogs and goats. Children enjoyed swings and other games.
‘Naanbhais’ are selling a ‘Naan’ at Rs10 against Rs8 on three days of Eidul Fitr. Rawalpindi Naanbhais Welfare Association (RNWA) President Shafiq Qureshi told ‘The News’ that majority of tandoors are selling a ‘Naan’ at 10 during three days of Eid. He also said that we wanted to increase rates of ‘roti’ and ‘naan’ as we could not continue our businesses with old prices.
Shopkeepers, including vegetable sellers, chicken sellers and meat sellers, robbed the people by overcharging. But the city administration could not depute any magistrate to check prices. The officials concerned were enjoyed Eidul Fitr in their home towns. Shopkeepers, transporters, ice-cream sellers, chat sellers charged Rs10-15 extra on the name of ‘Eidi’. Even some of petrol pumps were demanding Eidi.
It is worth mentioning here that all areas were filled with garbage as majority of Rawalpindi Solid Waste Management Company (RWMC) and Albayrak sanitary workers were not on duty on Eid days. The Metro Bus Service (MBS) provided a big relief of families to reach their proper destinations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
