The series of bomb blasts across Pakistan have given residents of the federal capital cold feet and some of them are even refusing to step out to shop.

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 [Images] 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 is 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.