The federal capital presented a deserted look on Wednesday as people remained confined to their homes to watch cricket World Cup semi-final match between Pakistan and India. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday announced half working day for government offices on Wednesday to enable people to watch the cricket match.
Attendance at all government and private offices remained thin. Similarly transport remained thin in Islamabad while all the streets, bazaars and educational institutions presented a deserted look. An official in a government department said that at least 30 percent of employees called in sick while other employees, who came to office, did little but discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each player on the Pakistan and Indian team.
However, later in the afternoon a large number of people gathered at places where big screens were installed to show the match. These screens were installed at F-9 Fatima Jinnah Park, in Blue area at Islamabad Stock Exchange and in Jinnah Super Market. People from all walks of life along with their families thronged to these places to watch semi final between Pakistan and India.