Islamabad sleepy, but still some families stay behind

Islamabad:The bustling capital has taken on a sleepy atmosphere ahead of Eidul Azha. Large swathes of Islamabad’s population have headed back to their hometowns to celebrate the festival with extended family, leaving many neighbourhoods quieter than usual.

Many residents originally came to Islamabad for jobs, business, or education. On Friday, a day before Eid, major thoroughfares like Faisal Avenue, Jinnah Avenue, Khayaban-i-Sir Syed, Margalla Road, and Seventh Avenue were noticeably empty, and key bus terminals at Karachi Company, Golra, Aabpara and Pirwadhai saw only a trickle of travellers. Metro bus stations, too, experienced a drop in ridership.

Transporters, many of whom come from outside the city, reduced their services as a result. Yet, despite the quiet, some families have stayed behind. After sunset, markets and shopping malls still buzzed with activity as people made last-minute Eid purchases.

Shumaila Begum acknowledged that while Islamabad has changed over the years, many people still leave for their hometowns during Eid to reconnect with relatives. “Strong family bonds make it hard to stay away,” he said, noting that many workers take advantage of the annual holidays to extend their celebrations.

Ahmad Khan, seen boarding a bus for Peshawar at Pir Wadhai, said he moved to Islamabad for business but always returns home for Eid. “It’s important for my kids to stay connected to our roots,” he said.

Others, however, admitted they would be spending Eid in the city. Some said their children, raised in Islamabad, don’t share the same enthusiasm for visiting ancestral villages. Others cited family disputes or the loss of older relatives as reasons for staying put. Though the capital feels sleepier than usual, for those who remain, Eid is still a time for celebration—albeit with a quieter, more subdued spirit.