September 22, 2008	Monday	Ramazan 21, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Sept 21: The devastating suicide blast outside Marriott spread a wave of sorrow and grief in the capital city, leaving even the busiest markets deserted on Sunday.

Fifty-three people were killed and more than 250 people were injured in the deadliest suicide attack in Islamabad’s history.

City’s important commercial centres like Aabpara, Melody Market, Super Market, Jinnah Super, F-10 Markaz, Karachi Company, Peshawar Mor and G-10 Markaz were without any hustle and bustle.

Some residents had the courage to visit the commercial centres, but majority stayed away.

With Eidul Fitr just days away, vendors waited for the costumers who failed to turn up in good numbers.

“It’s all because of the Marriott suicide bombing that there are no buyers today” said Abdul Qudoos, one of the vendors selling bangles at Aabpara.

Waiting for customers since the afternoon, Qudoos said: “A day earlier I had sold some new designs of bangles but now I am waiting for the buyers who are very few in numbers.”

Aabpara Market is one of the busiest commercial centres of the capital city.

“It seems that citizens have decided to stay away from the commercial and business centers at least for a day because of the terror threat,” said Raja Gulzar, a bouquet seller at Karachi Company.