Contrary to past practices and traditions, majority people have preferred to stay at their homes instead of visiting relatives, friends and recreational sites during Eid-ul-Fitr holidays in compliance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) introduced by the government for containment of the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) spread.
The government had announced that picnic points would remain closed due to the looming threat of the virus, which claimed more than 1,000 lives in Pakistan and 345,046 across the world in just few months.
In past, it had been the public routine to move to recreational sites on second day of Eid in federal capital including Shakarparian, Daman-e-Koh, Yasmin Garden, Monal, Lake View Park, Chattar Park to enjoy the Eid festivities with their families members and friends.
Murree, one of the most visited areas during the Eid holidays, had also been remained closed as per the government announcement, where normally it always made special arrangements to cope with the visitors rush.
Last year, around 60,000 to 80,000 vehicles had entered the hill station during Eid holidays for which traffic police made special deployment to manage the vehicles coming from different parts of the country. Even it had to ban, entry of more vehicles after the number increased to capacity.
During these holidays, the entry of tourists was banned in Murree in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, said Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Capt (r) Anwar ul Haq.
“All the tourist spots and hotels in Murree would remain closed during Eid ul-Fitr holidays as part of precautionary measures against COVID-19,” he said.
The DC said the decision had been taken to control the spread of virus and in the best interest of people so that they could be saved from any life-threatening danger.
He urged the citizens to avoid visiting touring spots particularly Murree during the holidays.
He was of the view that the public rush at the tourist spots could cause further spread of the novel coronavirus. Last year, according to President of Kaghan Valley Hotels Association Saith Matiullah Naran and Kaghan valleys received 300,000 to 400,000 tourists during Eid holidays days from different parts of the country.
