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While businessmen moan about the sharp dip in sales, residents say they want to play safe and stay indoors. Rehana Khan, who lives in the upmarket sector F-7/3, has cut down on her many shopping sprees.
"Ever since Benazir Bhutto's assassination it is clear that Islamabad and Rawalpindi have become potential targets for terrorists. So no more shopping outings unless, of course, it is absolutely essential," said Khan.
But when Khan does step out of her home, she takes someone along and keeps her family informed.
Some other residents have gone to the extent of giving up their morning or evening walks. "I do miss my early morning walks. But in these times it is better to stay indoors. You never know when disaster will strike," said another housewife in whose neighbourhood an American diplomat was found dead recently with a gunshot wound to the head.
The restrictions have not left the youngsters untouched. "My parents are so finicky about my stepping out. I just hate it. Why do these people have go around bombing people and places?" rued Fatima Ahmed, a university student whose outdoor activities are now "zilch".
"My phone keeps beeping every hour or so even when I am at college. My mother becomes hysterical if I don't answer the phone," she said.
Some say the military operation against militants holed up in the Lal Masjid last year changed everything for residents of Islamabad.
"The Lal Masjid episode makes residents feel less secure. If such a thing can happen in the heart of the federal capital, which other part of Pakistan is safe?" said Khan.
The not-so-well-to-do families who look forward to shopping at the weekly markets in the G-8 sector or Aabpara, which is near the Lal Masjid, are also taking no chances.
"I don't let my wife and children go to these weekly markets. You never know where terror strikes. There is no way these suicide bombers can be stopped," said Altaf Zaki, who was stocking up for the week at the G-8 market.
The businessmen are sulking.
"I wish I could blame it on the cold, but that's not true. People are not stepping out on a sunny afternoon either," complained Shahnawaz Ali, a shopkeeper at the city's commercial hub of Blue Area.
Ali said sales had never dipped like this in the past two decades. "It's been a bad season. I hope the law and order situation improves. I wish people would throng the markets again," he said.
Hot Spot - a favourite hangout for the young and well heeled - is allowing the entry of only couples and families due to security reasons. The coffee shop's management has even put up a board announcing its decision. Security has also been beefed in other top hotels of the city.
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RatingOne time Vajpayee warn as PM of India, that what Pakistani Government and SIS is doing will place Pakistan on the burner. Well, it happens now and the Pak population which was having gigle when India is facing their sent terrorist, now having the taste of Terrorism!
While I may partially agree with Anwer or is it Anewar Husaain but we have had better examples of Muslim elite. Take for example Abdul Rahim Khankhana or Raskhan or Malik Mohammed Jayasi. I doubt if they had their way they would have permitted tribal law? I also doubt whether we are really true to the teachings of Prophet. I recently saw an old movie Message based on life and society prevaling during those days. There were terrorists in the movie. Apparently somewhere down the line peaople have strayed from the path. That is why I said that I believe in the peaceful message of Islam however some people may have interpreted it incorrectly. Pakistanis, since majority of them share common ancestors with us, are different breed altogether and I hope and prey that they will eventually evolve the type of amalgam I have envisaged. I hope I am right since I am given to understand that in Aurobindo Ashram at Pondichery there is a map of Akhand Bharat. When asked the Mother is believed to have stated that the partition was an unnatural phenomena and soon these borders will vanish. I hope and I am sure she was right. Afterall how long can you keep the blood relations apart. There will be no fear of terrorism after that.
Islam is digging it's own grave. As it is said in bible, you sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. Giving too much of importance to religion is the basic problem with muslims. Religion is like a light house. Just as a ship is guided by the light house on its way to the port, human soul should use religion as guide in its journey towards god. Islam is flundering like a ship that has made light house as its destination
Islam is not the only problem for Muslims. Over the 1400 years Muslims have married within the immediate family inspired by Muhammad's marriage to his first cousin and daughter-in-law Zainab. The result is millions of retarded Muslims who are fodder for the fundamentalists. these morons are easily pursuaded to strap their bodies with bombs as they are incapable of thinking. Verily a new species of humans is being created because of the widespread inbreeding.
ARUNJI, DARA SHIKOH OR AURANGZEB OR WHO EVER, THEY ARE ALL THE SAME, NOTHING WOULD HAVE BEEN ANY DIFFERENT THERE ARE 56 ISLAMIC NATIONS, NONE OF THEM ARE EXEMPLARY TO NON MUSLIM NATIONS, IN REALITY THE NON MUSLIM NATIONS ARE THE ONES WHO HAVE PROTECTED MUSLIMS BETTER AND GIVEN THEM BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS, AS THEIR OWN RELIGION DOES NOT ALLOW QUESTIONING THE RULERS, AND A WOMAN IS CONSIDERED HALF OF A MAN, IN ANY RIGHTS, WOMEN ARE EVEN FORCED TO PROVIDE 4 EYE WITNESSES AFTER BEING RAPPED.
The Franekenstein Monster of Terrorism has started to feed on its master. All these years Pakistan lived by the sword, and now, its people are now dying by the sword. We, in India have had to shed blood all these years. Now the terrorist monster has turned on its original master. A violent and intolerant society will reach a similar end, be it Pakistan or Saudi Arabia. Lets keep India liberal, democratic and secular, else we would also see a similar fate from our homegrown fanatics [islamic, hindu or christian or sikh].
Everytime we talk about Islam we are told that it is a peaceful society. That it does not approve of violence. That it respects other religions etc. Let there be no doubt that I believe it to be true. However, there is another side to this and that is frightening. If all that is happening in Pakistan is the sign of a peaceful society and I shudder to think what would have been the state of affairs if indeed violence was one of the accepted norms in the society. It further prompts me to ask another question what if it was Dara Shikoh and not Aurangzeb whoc had succeded Shahjahan? We would have had a wonderful amalgam of two ancient societies. Think about it.
IT IS NOT JUST PAKISTAN, IN MOST MUSLIM COUNTRIES, PEOPLE ARE NOT SAFE, WHAT IS TO BLAME?? THEIR RELIGION? I THINK SO
i really sympathise with the people of pakistan, as i have many friends from there. I also agree with Jitu that it is result of their acts around the world. i think the government shud tackle it with strong measures not to help the terrorists in spreading their wings. Though it is a little too late, yet it worth a try.
As you sow, so shall you reap is what the pakistanis are realising now. This is what indians have been feeling all this while, particularly in areas where islamic fundamentalism has gaining ground. These fanatics will ruin our ancient and liberal culture if they are allowed a free run for any longer.
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