Islamabad:With Eid-ul-Fitr just a week away and police hunting for two explosive-laden trucks believed to be on the loose in the federal capital, Pakistanis are wondering if it is safe to step out and shop for the festival.

The deadly suicide bombing at Islamabads best known address for the well-heeled - Marriott Hotel - has shaken the residents to the core. A suicide bomber rammed a truck carrying 600 kg of explosives into the hotels gate, killing 53 and injuring over 260.

The Super Market in the heart of Islamabad, one of the most happening spots for shoppers before Eid - wore a deserted look on Wednesday.

"Our sales have never been so low," said Aslam, a shopkeeper at Achakzai Carpets in the usually busy commercial area. "People are too scared to step out of their houses and shop," he said, pointing towards the windows of his showroom that were blown out by the impact of the Marriott blast even the hotel is several kilometres away.

However, this isnt the only blast Aslam has seen in the recent past. On June 2,there was a bombing at an Italian restaurant near his shop that killed a Turkish woman. "The impact of that blast was much less. People did come out of their homes then. But this time there are hardly any shoppers around.

"Most importantly our business is suffering because there are no foreigners shopping. They are ones who love our killims (carpets)," he said.

While most foreigners and diplomats have been asked to play safe by avoiding market places, even the locals think they are not safe.

"We have seen three blasts this year. Islamabad is not safe anymore. I have decided not to spend too much time shopping," said Rehana Khan, a housewife who was shopping at the Super market.

With fewer shoppers around, the glitz and glitter of Eid is clearly missing. Even in weekly markets where the less-privileged shop there are fewer people around. "My husband has told me to not go to the weekly market. You never know when a bomb will explode," said Zainab, a domestic help who works in one of the posh residential areas.

The American International School has been closed following the blast and British Airways has suspended all flights to Pakistan.

"We are going crazy sitting at home. We cant go to school because someone may blow it up," said a 10-year-old son of a diplomat.

Attendance in the otherwise popular eateries like McDonalds and KFC which are offering special iftar and sehri packages has dwindled. "There are fewer customers in the aftermath of the blast because people think outlets of American chains can be targeted. This is going to hit our business," said a staffer at KFC.

There are hardly any buyers even at the citys leading boutiques. "You dont feel the zing of Eid this time. People usually flock to market places in the last leg of Ramzan. But we are yet to see our stocks depleting," said Fauzia, a manager at a boutique in Jinnah Super market.

"I think it is not just the scare, but also the mood. I think everyone is just mourning the fact that even our city has been hit by the terrorists," she said.

Source : DNA