City's Eidul Fitr celebrations saw a surge of young riders and children hitting the streets on motorcycles, turning the holiday into a high-octane adventure across the city. For many, the third day of Eid was less about gatherings and more about revving engines, racing in groups, and enjoying the thrill of the open road.
After Eid gatherings with family, youngsters donned new clothes, hopped on motorcycles, and fueled up at petrol stations according to their means. Groups of riders – some above 18, others younger – rode through neighbourhoods including Liaquatabad, Baldia Town, Landhi, Korangi, Kemari, Orangi Town, Mahmoodabad, and Sohrab Goth. Major roads such as Sharae Faisal, National Stadium area, MA Jinnah Road, and the CV-View in Clifton became hotspots for gatherings, selfies, and friendly races.
Ahsan Khan, leader of a youth riding group in Saddar, said, "we worked all through Ramazan at our chai dhaba. Eid is the time to relax, and riding with friends is our way of celebrating.
Petrol is expensive, but we used our Eidi to fill our tanks and hit the roads." Another rider, Amanullah, echoed that motorcycles were the main source of Eid entertainment, with little else breaking the daily grind.
The heavy concentration of riders also caused long queues at petrol pumps. Liaquatabad petrol pump in-charge Rehan Ahmed noted that despite high fuel prices, many youths spent Rs500 or less to refuel. Social activist Naeem Khan criticised the lack of energy awareness, noting that rising fuel prices and Middle East tensions were ignored as riders continued to spend on leisure fuel.
Rescue 1122 and Chhipa spokesperson Chaudhry Shahid Hussain warned that several groups raced dangerously, urging authorities to enforce traffic laws and ensure public safety.
Motorcycle riding continued late into the night, with streets and inner-city areas bustling with young thrill-seekers.
The Eid celebrations highlighted Karachi youth's penchant for speed, socialising, and street culture – but also underscored the challenges of managing traffic and safety during festive surges.
