December 12, 2008	Friday	Zilhaj 13, 1429

KARACHI, Dec 11: Though Thursday was officially a working day, a good number of Karachi’s citizens were clearly still in a holiday mood on the third day of Eidul Azha, as attendance in government and private offices was reportedly quite thin while activity at the city’s markets and commercial centres was also negligible.

For those who did come to work, much time was spent on exchanging Eid greetings and sharing experiences of the sacrifice.

Since both government and private schools remained closed on Thursday, many families chose to head for the city’s recreation spots. In contrast to the eerie quiet witnessed at many of Karachi’s commercial areas, crowds thronged Seaview, the zoo, the expansive grounds of the Quaid’s mausoleum, among other places, encouraged, no doubt, by the pleasant weather.

Though banks, food outlets and grocery stores remained open, the vast majority of retailers kept their shutters down. During the early evening, only a couple of shops were seen open in Saddar’s electronics market and Zaibunnisa Road, areas which are usually buzzing with activity during working days.

Attendance at government hospitals was also reportedly thin.

Not much traffic was seen on the main roads, particularly on M.A. Jinnah Road, one of the city’s main arterials, though traffic picked up pace slightly during the evening.

Police and personnel of the paramilitary Rangers were posted at various intersections and traffic lights, keeping in mind the recent law and order problem the city witnessed.

Quite a few people also utilised the third day of Eid to discharge their religious obligation of sacrificing animals.