Security was put on high alert in the wake of Babu Sabu interchange blast on Tuesday, as police remained active throughout the day, in addition to carry out raids at the suspicious sites in the city. Sources from the hotel industry told that they have been strictly instructed by the intelligence agencies to avoid offering rooms reservation to those arriving from Quetta and Peshawar.
The hotel industry sources further told that many Pathan and Baloch families are stranded after being denied room reservation in the hotels in the town. "A helpless family from Quetta was not entertained by any hotel unless the law enforcement agency gave us go-ahead," said a manager of a hotel. It may be noted that heavy deployment of police force is also made outside five star hotels to avoid any untoward incident.
The hotel industry sources also pointed out that extraordinary security measures have also spread panic among general visitors of the city and a good number of parties, wedding ceremonies and important seminars have been deferred for indefinite period, causing colossal loss to the hotel industry. Similarly, large number of food lovers have also dropped at restaurants and fast food outlets, especially after the reports that the terrorists may hit the food restaurants.
Two major hotels have closed their high-tea sections after witnessing a substantial drop in their visitors. Police has also erected barriers and cemented barricades in and around the important buildings like Punjab Assembly, Wapda House, hotels and government offices.
Similarly, barriers are recently installed on the roads leading to major police stations, theatres and public points. Schools are also under the grip of fear and the Lahore Grammar School has announced winter vacations and studies would resume from November 17, 2009.
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