For years, D-Chowk was known as the centre of political protests and demonstrations. On Sunday night, however, the iconic square presented a completely different picture as it echoed with cheers instead of slogans.
From violent political battleground to people’s playground: D-Chowk turns into festival of Football
ISLAMABAD, Jul 20 (APP):For years, D-Chowk was known as the centre of political protests and demonstrations. On Sunday night, however, the iconic square presented a completely different picture as it echoed with cheers instead of slogans.
Thousands of football fans, families, women, and children gathered to watch a live screening of an international football final arranged by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police in collaboration with a federal institution, turning the venue into a celebration of sport, unity and joy.
An ICT Police official told APP that SSP Operations Qazi Ali Raza visited D-Chowk to review security arrangements, inspect deployment and brief officers on maintaining a peaceful, safe and family-friendly environment throughout the event.
The giant screen attracted spectators from across the capital. Every attack, save and near miss drew loud cheers, while the closing moments of the match kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
After the teams remained level at the end of regular time, Spain sealed a dramatic 1-0 victory over Argentina in extra time, triggering jubilant celebrations among a large section of the crowd gathered at D-Chowk.
Spain’s famous red shirts dominated the venue, while the No. 19 jersey of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal emerged as one of the most popular among young fans. At the same time, many supporters proudly wore the iconic No. 10 shirt in admiration of Lionel Messi, reflecting the respect both players enjoyed among football lovers.
Among the spectators, Tahir Azad, who attended the event with his son Zaid Azad, told APP, Messi is one of the greatest footballers in history, but tonight both my son and I are supporting Spain. Football is beautiful because it brings people together even when they support different teams.
College student Iqra had a different view.
I will always support Messi. He has been my hero for many years, and I wanted Argentina to win, she said with a smile.
Another young football enthusiast, Dawood, an eighth-grade student, told APP, I have always admired Cristiano Ronaldo, but in this final I was supporting Spain. My younger brother Ibrahim is a big fan of Messi and wanted Argentina to win. That’s what makes football special—we support different teams but enjoy the game together.
Retired teacher Wajahat-ul-Hasan said such public events helped strengthen social harmony.
Sport teaches discipline, patience and teamwork. Winning and losing are both part of life. Games rise above race, language and geography and connect people through a shared passion, he said.
As the final whistle blew, D-Chowk once widely associated with protests and political gatherings offered a different image of Islamabad. Families celebrated together, children waved flags, strangers exchanged congratulations and football chants filled the air.
Many participants appreciated the government’s initiative, saying it provided citizens with a healthy recreational activity in a secure environment and showcased another, more vibrant side of the federal capital.
For one memorable evening, D-Chowk belonged not to protest, but to people; not to confrontation, but to celebration proving once again that sport has the power to unite hearts beyond politics, language and borders.
