Islamabad (PTI): 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 Islamabad's 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 hotel's 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 isn't 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.

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