December 29, 2007	Saturday	Zilhaj 18, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Dec 28: Islamabad mourned Benazir Bhutto like all other places in the country, by shutting down completely. Friday was a beautiful day in Islamabad. Only, it was different from any other pleasant day. An uneasy calm prevailed, streets were deserted and businesses shut.

Scared of being caught up in the madness in the streets, the people, in shock and disbelief, remained gathered around their television sets, wondering what was the meaning of all this.

“I never agreed with Benazir Bhutto’s politics. She was here more looking after her own interest and not of the nation. But I never wanted her to go the way she did. Least she did was lend a voice to the masses,” said Maryam Riaz, a working lady.

The vast majority of people wanting to buy even the basic necessities of life was restricted to their homes because they were scared, said Asif Masood.

Yet different needs — fuel, bottled water, cigarettes, bread and eggs, milk etc — forced people to venture out. But to their astonishment, not a single shop or even a kiosk was open, said Shahid Malik, a private businessman.

“The city is deserted. It’s difficult to buy things because the supermarkets and petrol stations are closed. The system is paralyzed and our life has been hugely affected,” Shahid said, who had driven around Aabpara and Super markets looking for fuel, but to no avail.

A shopping centre in Jinnah Super Market was the only general store open, cramped with people, who had learnt from friends or neighbours about the shop. “I’ve been driving around and found only this store open. People are on the edge. Islamabad is quieter than it is on Eids,” said Mansoor Khan.

Shops had left their shutters rolled down. Majority of shopkeepers, office owners and petrol stations had covered their fronts with ‘Shamianas’ (marriage tents) to protect them from rioters.

Driving through the empty streets some of the few visible figures, besides the imposing posters of candidates contesting in the elections, were of those trying to catch public transport back home.

Gesturing for a lift and with a worried look, Muhammad Shaukat was standing at the Shakkar Parian stop on the highway asking for a lift to Aabpara Market.

“How are things in Pindi? I heard it’s a complete chaos,” were the first few words to come out of Shaukat’s mouth. “Taxi drivers refuse to go to Pindi. Is it really that bad? My cousin called me telling me to go to Rawalpindi where I live. I’m going back to my cousin’s place until it all calms down,” he said.

Fearing trouble, many worried parents kept their children indoors. “These are extremely tense times. It’s best to stay at home,” said Mrs Arifa Rafiuddin. “I hope it all ends soon,” she said.