People throng picnic spots ignoring Covid-19 guidelines.

SHANGLA -- People thronged upper parts of Shangla and riversides in Swabi for picnic amid closure of major tourist sites while in most districts, including Bajaur, the locals largely ignored the standard operating procedures set for Eid prayers in view of coronavirus pandemic.

In Shangla, thousands of local tourists, including those of nearby districts, visited the upper mountainous parts of the district in groups.

Areas seen buzzing with picnickers and local tourists included Lilonai, Jaba, Sorband, Kandaw, Bahadar Sar, Brejo Banda, Takht Behram Khan, Ajmeer, Logay, Braim Banda, Kopar Sar, Chakesar and Bisham.

Tariq Rauf, a nature lover from Shahpur, said they visited Braim Banda in a group of over 20 friends and enjoyed the natural beauty, bonfire and barbecue at the high altitude.

He said there was a pedestrian track leading to Speen Ghar and lush green vast meadows.

Ashraf Khan, a local, said the mountains were the extension of Hindukush and Karakoram and they enjoyed Eid vacations there.

Tourists stopped from entering Lower Dir

Ashraf Ali, another resident, said he had planned a tour to Gilgit for this Eid vacations, but due to Covid-19 pandemic he postponed the plan and turned to Breju Banda with family members.

He said their friends from Mardan, Peshawar, and Swat also accompanied them and enjoyed natural beauty of Shangla.

In Swabi, people thronged riversides across the district to enjoy Eid holidays and avoid hot weather.

The picnic sites like Kund Park and Albila region had been closed by the district administration to prevent spread of coronavirus. Local officials said that no one bothered to uphold the SOPs during the holidays that could prompt action by the district administration to control the situation.

The Tarbela Dam downstream was the most attractive site for the visitors while all areas along edges of the Indus River were brimming with the visitors.

The cold water and cool breeze provided respite to the people from hot weather conditions and they enjoyed the holidays by cooking food and dancing and singing on the festive occasion.

The second attractive site in Swabi was Pehur High Level Canal (PHLC), where a great rush of people was witnessed.

'The canal water cools down the body temperature and gives a refreshing feeling to everyone who comes here,' said Irshad Khan of Saleem Khan village.

In Timergara, the Lower Dir administration and...