ISLAMABAD: As Eidul Azha is just one day away, the citizens of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are rushing to markets for shopping to finalise their preparations for the festival celebrations. A large number of shoppers particularly women and children were witnessed at various markets, bazaars and shopping malls of the federal capital, busy in buying dresses make-up items, artificial jewellery and footwear to celebrate Eidul Azha with traditional zeal and zest. Young girls were taking an interest in bangles and applying henna on their hands at the stalls decorated beautifully with light beams falling on the visitors. Children too did not lag behind in the shopping spree that continued till late in the night. The business of cooking equipment and purchase of slaughtering tools were also on the peak. The shoppers complained that the shopkeepers were selling the items at exorbitant prices and no authority was available to keep a check on them. However, the shopkeepers and vendors said that the Eid always provided a good opportunity to their business but the purchasing trend of the public on the occasion of Eidul Azha was very less as compared to Eidul Fitr. They said that most of the people were focusing on purchasing of sacrificial animals and meat cooking equipment and materials for the Eid. Eid presents a unique opportunity to wear colourful dresses and everyone tries to buy special and gorgeous dresses on this auspicious occasion. One thing is quite clear that the price hike has restricted the people’s options and they had to be very clever in fulfilling their desires with limited money, said Jaweria Yusuf, a visitor at the Jinnah Super Market Asad Ahmed, who was visiting the F-6 Supper Market for Eid shopping along with his family, said where buying a sacrificial animal was itself a big task for a salaried person like him Eid shopping for his family was also an additional burden on his pocket. He said the preparations for Eidul Azha were more expensive as compared to Eidul Fitr. Maria, a resident of Sector G-7/1 said she was returning home empty handed as the shopkeepers had set the prices of various items according to their own wishes. She wanted to buy a pair of shoes for her sister but no shoe pair was available for less than Rs 2,000-3,000. She said her family had been focusing on purchasing meat cooking tools like grills and related utensils to enjoy the Eid days. On the other hand, the Islamabad police have ensured extra deployment of security personnel at shopping places to protect the lives and property of the citizens. Islamabad Traffic Police have deployed the cops to ensure the smooth flow of traffic, avoid traffic jams and ensure the parking of vehicles at appropriate places during shopping hours.