Parks bustle with families
CELEBRITY STATUS: Visitors thronged the Jungle World to attend the public viewing of the cubs at the Ayub National Park. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The recreational places including parks and hill stations witnessed an overwhelming rush of families in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad in three holidays of Eidul Fitr. A good number of families from both cities visited the hill stations of Murree and Galiyat to enjoy Eid fun amid pleasant weather.
Children, accompanied by their parents, enjoyed various activities including swings, riding cars, camel rides, train rides, and their favourite foods. These attractions remained the focal point of the children's interest, with much excitement and laughter, while beautiful landscapes were captured in numerous photographs.
The historic Ayub National Park in Rawalpindi, along with Joyland, Rawal Road Park, Pothohar Park, Allama Iqbal Park on Murree Road, Race Course Park, Rumi Park, and several other parks, saw a huge influx of families. At Ayub National Park, attractions like the Jungle Kingdom, Haunted House, train ride, zip ride, the historic Bara Dari, boat rides on the lake, and the zoo were major draws for children. Various swings also kept the children engaged. The food centres and hotels at Ayub National Park, offering a variety of cuisines, were also bustling with visitors who ordered and enjoyed their favorite foods.
Similarly, other parks in the city and cantonment areas experienced a great deal of activity. Security arrangements were made at all entrance and exit points, as well as throughout the internal areas of the parks.
The flow of visitors to the parks began at 1pm on the first day of Eid and continued until the third day. After 10pm each night, citizens gradually returned home. Parents remarked that their children thoroughly enjoyed their time in the parks.
Compared to previous years, the beautification, decoration, and special lighting at the parks this year were exceptional, which kept both children and adults engaged and allowed them to spend more time in the parks.
Visitors of the amusement parks were charged hefty parking fees for cars and motorcycles, and the costs for rides, boat rides, and the Jungle Kingdom were significantly high. The citizens were also heavily charged for local snacks like chaat, nimko, gol gappay, drinks, and traditional foods, further draining their pockets. Compared to the open market, food and drink prices in the parks were almost double.
Citizens complained about the parking fees, which were Rs150 for cars and Rs100 for motorcycles. A large drink bottle was sold for Rs250, a smaller one for Rs100, and gol gappay were priced at Rs250 per plate.
The ticket prices for rides such as swings, horse rides, and the monorail ranged from Rs200 to Rs300, while boat rides cost Rs700 to Rs800 per person. Dodgem car rides were charged at Rs350. Meanwhile, transporters, including taxis, rickshaws, and motorbikes, also charged inflated fares, with fares of Rs200 being charged instead of the usual Rs100.
Children enjoyed themselves, playing and having fun on the swings. Some drove dodgem cars, others enjoyed the monorail, and the high swings captured everyone's attention. Visitors of all ages seemed happy and engaged at the parks.
Children also played football, cricket, and badminton. In the haunted house, families enjoyed the various ghostly and fairy displays, while others took selfies with caged birds, animals, and wild creatures. Despite the rising heat, the parks remained lively and vibrant.
A large number of families brought their own food from home and continued to enjoy it while in the parks. The park administration had set up new and attractive swings and decorated the parks with beautiful flowers and statues. The security arrangements at the parks were also top-notch, with security guards and CCTV cameras installed for safety. To accommodate more visitors, the parks extended their operating hours until 1am.
Families shared mixed reactions during their visits. Ayaz Shah mentioned that the parks were beautifully arranged, but the food and drink prices were exorbitant, and the ticket prices for rides were too high. The parking fee of Rs150 for cars was excessive, he added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Twin cities celebrate Eid with festive spirit
Eidul Azha was celebrated with great religious zeal in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Over the three-day festival, families performed the sacred ritual of animal sacrifice and gathered to share meals and warm hospitality at home. Recreational outings were an integral part of the celebrations, as families visited parks and entertainment spots in the evenings. Both children and adults enjoyed the festive atmosphere, adding to the joy of the occasion. Sacrificial animals were slaughtered, and the meat was distributed among family, friends, and those in need. Women prepared special breakfasts and dinners, ensuring guests were welcomed with traditional warmth and generosity. As per custom, those who hosted on the first day visited others on the second and third days. The first day of Eid began with intense heat and humidity. However, by evening, clouds gathered, offering slight relief from the scorching sun. As the sun set, families visited parks and entertainment spots in the evenings, where both children and adults enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Sacrificial animals were slaughtered, and the meat was distributed among family and friends. Women prepared special breakfasts and delectable meals, ensuring that families and guests were treated with warmth and hospitality. As is customary, the hosts of the first day became guests on the second and third day of Eidul Azha. The first day of Eid began under a blazing sun, with intense heat and humidity gripping the region. However, by evening, clouds rolled in over the twin cities, offering some relief from the sweltering weather. As the sun set, families and children flocked to parks and entertainment spots, making the most of the festive evening. On the second and third days, the heat persisted. Popular attractions such as Ayub National Park, Joyland, and Iqbal Park in Rawalpindi were teeming with visitors. Children enjoyed their favourite rides, electric cars, trains, roller coasters, and paddle boats, while others watched magic shows. Adults spent quality time with their families, completing the Eid celebrations. A young girl named Rida, who came to the park with her parents, shared her excitement, saying that after the animal sacrifice, they visited the park with their family and had a wonderful time. A man named Ayaz Khan said that the children had been insisting on going out for recreation, so he brought them to the park. The weather was good, and the children had a wonderful time. The administration and Rawalpindi police implemented strict security measures at Ayub National Park and other recreational spots across the city and cantonment areas.
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Thousands of tourists flock to Jab Valley
In a striking display of Pakistan's growing eco-tourism potential, thousands of tourists from across the country flocked to Jab Valley in Haripur during the Eid holidays, turning the once-obscure locale into one of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's most sought-after destinations. Located approximately 80 kilometres from Islamabad and 170 kilometres from Peshawar, Jab Valley has quietly evolved into a nature lover's haven, home to a chain of eight waterfalls that cascade in succession through forested cliffs. The valley lies just a short drive from Khanpur Dam, making it a convenient addition to traditional tourist itineraries. The waterfalls, some plunging from heights of up to 200 metres, were first discovered and documented in 2021 by Hassan Nisar, a YouTuber and founder of Metrix Pakistan. His efforts not only brought the natural beauty of Jab Valley to the forefront but also helped promote the region nationally and internationally through digital media. The viral videos and widespread coverage that followed played a central role in establishing Jab Valley as a new hub for eco-tourism. "I still remember hiking into the valley for the first time and hearing the roar of the waterfalls echoing through the cliffs. I knew instantly that the world needed to see this," said Nisar, smiling as he watched families pose for photos near the cascading waters. "Today, seeing so many people here appreciating the natural beauty of this place fills me with pride. This is exactly what I dreamed of - tourism that uplifts communities and brings people closer to nature." He added that Jab Valley now needs targeted government investment and infrastructure development. "With official support, this place can become a signature site of Pakistan's tourism in the new era - a model for sustainable, community-led and eco-friendly travel." "I came here with my friends from Lahore after seeing a video online. It's nothing like Murree or the usual tourist spots. It's peaceful and untouched," said Areeba Malik, a visitor from Punjab. Jab Valley's charm lies in its resistance to commercial trappings. With no mega resorts, plastic waste or urban noise, it offers a rare sensory retreat: the gushing of the waterfalls, the call of native birds and the whisper of the wind through towering pine trees and centuries-old wild olive groves, known locally as zaitoon. The ecological diversity of the region is remarkable. Migratory birds, porcupines, and foxes roam freely, while local flora includes medicinal plants long used by villagers for traditional healing. The valley's discovery has not only enriched Pakistan's natural tourism map. It has also revived the local economy. Shoukat, a roadside daba owner in the area, credits the influx of tourists for a threefold increase in his daily earnings since 2021. "Before, I used to make around Rs400 a day. Now during peak season or Eid, I can earn up to Rs1,200. That's a big difference for someone like me," he said, flashing a grateful smile. Despite the growing footfall, infrastructure remains minimal. Access roads are unpaved in sections, and there are no formal visitor facilities beyond a few local tea stalls and makeshift seating areas. While this lack of development adds to the valley's rustic appeal, it also raises questions about sustainability. Environmentalists caution that without regulated tourism, the fragile ecosystem could suffer. "We need eco-conscious tourism, guided hikes, proper waste disposal and limited human interference," said an environmental science student from Hazara University visiting the site. For now, Jab Valley remains a rare window into what tourism in Pakistan could be: rooted in nature, sustained by communities and appreciated with reverence.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistani celebrity couples share Eid ul Azha moments
Listen to article Pakistani celebritiy couples took to social media to share moments from their Eidul Azha celebrations, posting pictures with their families in traditional outfits. Ali Ansari and Saboor Aly marked their first Eidul Azha with their daughter, Serena Ali. Saboor wore a mint green embroidered chickenkari dress and twinned with Serena in a similar shade. Ali Ansari opted for a classic black kurta shalwar. Aiman Khan and Muneeb Butt also shared images from the day. Aiman wore a mint green and pink outfit, while Muneeb chose a floral cotton kurta with white pants. Their daughters, Amal and Miral, wore red and yellow dresses, respectively. Sarah Khan and Falak Shabir posted coordinated photos, with Sarah in a floral silk saree and Falak in a light khaki kurta. Sana Javed and Shoaib Malik were seen celebrating Eid in Dubai. Sana opted for a pastel-toned outfit, while Shoaib wore a classic blue shalwar kameez. The couple posed for cheerful photos, wishing fans a happy Eid. Sunita Marshall and Hassan Ahmed shared warm family portraits. Sunita wore a maroon and grey ensemble, while Hassan and their son dressed in traditional kurta-pajama. Mawra Hocane and Ameer Gilani, recently married, shared their first Eid images. Mawra wore a purple and maroon ensemble, while Ameer sported a clean-shaven look. Iqra Aziz and Yasir Hussain kept their outfits light for the summer heat. Iqra wore a grey chickenkari suit, Yasir wore a light green kurta, and their son Kabir wore a black kurta shalwar. Nida Yasir and Yasir Nawaz posted casual photos. Nida wore a printed kurta in pink and yellow, while Yasir wore a black shirt with grey pants and yellow joggers. Ayeza Khan and Danish Taimoor shared a video marking the first day of Eid. The couple chose all-white outfits for the occasion. While the couple has often included their children in previous Eid photos, they announced they would be keeping Hoorain and Rayyan's images private moving forward. Across Instagram, stars conveyed warm wishes to their followers while highlighting the spirit of sacrifice and family togetherness.
