Frightened Pakistanis avoid holding functions in banquet halls

Lahore, Nov.1 (ANI): The ever expanding reign of terror in Pakistan has not only tarnished its image across the world and damaged its economy badly, but it has also affected the day to day activities and the social life of people here.

The recent spate of terror attacks, in which even the Army's General Headquarters in Rawalpindi was not spared, has frightened people to such an extent that they have now started avoiding to venture out of their homes.

Even the trend of conducting marriage ceremonies at banquet halls has decreased in cities like Lahore and Peshawar, which have witnessed devastating bomb blasts in the recent past.

Owners of these banquet halls complained that the deteriorating law and order and security scenario has affected their business tremendously.

They said they were already facing numerous problems due to the inflation and the current hostile situation has only made the matter worse.

"My hall used to entertain 10 to 12 functions on a weekly basis, in addition to at least 25 to 30 enquiries. However, following the terror incidents throughout the city, the number of weekly bookings had reduced to six or eight. I have incurred at least a 30 to 35 percent loss of business," The Daily Times quoted Mahboob Ahmed, the owner of a private marriage hall, as saying.

"The prices of poultry products, electricity and kitchen utensils have increased drastically, decreasing our profits, and the recent terror attacks have caused people to fear organising any function in marriage halls," said another hall owner Jamaal Khan.

Marriage Hall Association President Muhammad Ilyas said the current terror strikes have frightened people so much that they are opting to organise functions in their homes rather than in banquet halls.

"They are preferring to hold functions at their homes instead of coming to halls," Ilyas said. (ANI)