ISLAMABAD, Nov 16: The busy bazaars and picnic spots in Rawalpindi and Islamabad saw the traditional festive mess during Eid holidays, as those left behind tried to make the best of the occasion.

Be it Pir Sohawa or Daman-e-Koh on the Margallas or Shakarparian, Rose & Jasmine Garden or Rawal Dam park in the foothills, people were out to enjoy the holidays.

The parking lots at the public places fell short of capacity to accommodate the Eid rush and long queues of vehicles were seen with owners patiently waiting to find an appropriate place to park their vehicles.

With almost everybody trying to get as close to the destination as possible, the spots seemed choked with traffic. The air was thick with gasoline fumes, as the engines of hundreds of vehicles were idling, with the owners waiting to find some place to park.

The worst was the situation on the Murree Highway starting from Faizabad interchange to well beyond Bharakahu on the periphery of the federal capital.

There was a continuous flow of traffic to and from Murree. Like always, small groups of young boys riding motorbikes turned out to be a traffic nuisance causing frequent traffic jams. Riding in groups, these boys almost terrorized the motorists, especially those travelling with families, and caused 'near accidents' at a number of places.

Though the Islamabad traffic police had made adequate arrangements to prevent the youth from performing 'heroics' on motorbikes, many of the adventurers managed to get past the check posts and special pickets to enjoy their style of biking.

Superintendent of Traffic Police Abbas Ahsan said 'appropriate' arrangements had been made to ensure smooth flow of traffic on the Murree Highway that made part of the 'VVIP route'.

"We took every possible measure to prevent these young boys from performing stunts not only on the 'VVIP Route' but also on the Murree Highway beyond Dhokri Chowk towards Bharakahu, which is the favourite spot for these bikers. I believe, we managed to achieve the goal this time and so far we have not received any complaint or faced any serious accident on the occasion of Eid," SP Ahsan told this reporter, when contacted.

In addition to the regular posts, special pickets were set up to particularly check these youngsters challenging motorists and engaging other groups into competitions, the Mr Ahsan claimed.

However, all efforts, at times, seemed to be falling short of expectations, as long queues of vehicles were seen on the Murree Highway from Faizabad to well beyond Dhokri Chowk or the other way round whenever there was a 'VVIP' or a 'VIP' movement on the route.

The Islamabad Police control room claimed there were no serious accidents on the occasion of Eid in and around the federal capital this year.

"There were some reports of minor accidents in which mostly the vehicles were damaged and the occupants escaped unhurt. Thanks to Almighty, the Eid this time is calm and peaceful so far," the ICT Police Control officials said.

Meanwhile, the members of the Patients Welfare Society of District Headquarters Hospital, Rawalpindi, visited different wards in the hospital to distribute special Eid gifts among the patients.

Raja Mushtaq Ahmed, the president of the society, said the DHQ Hospital had adequate financial resources to provide full medical cover to the poor patients.

"However, the Patients' Welfare Society' is also trying to help all these needy and deserving patients by generating funds on self-help basis and getting donations from affluent persons in the society," he added.

APP adds: In Rawalpindi, a large number of people converged on the main parks to celebrate Eid. Most of the people came with their families to share the happy moments.

As this time Eid holidays came at the weekend, people had ample time to exchange greetings with their relatives and friends and then spend some time with their families.

Bright and sunny weather also enticed people to come out of their homes and visit picnic spots. People crowded into Ayub Park, Playland and Nawaz Sharif park.

At these parks, stall-holders selling burgers, chips, fruit and Channa Chat, Gol Gappas, soft drinks and tea made a handsome money.

Many people visited small parks located nearby the residential and commercial areas to enjoy sunshine. People also visited graves of their relatives to offer prayers and lay wreaths. Many observed Eid with simplicity in respect of their loved ones who had passed away during the year.