Islamabad:
With Pakistanis hit hard by a deadly wave of terror attacks, most residents of the federal capital are playing safe by staying indoors, more so for their children's sake.
Markets wear a deserted look, streets are empty and many people have stopped sending their children to school. Children are taught to stay away from "suspicious" looking persons, how to operate in emergencies, and schools are holding "lockdown" drills to prepare students to respond to a possible terrorist strike.
Ahmed Khan (name changed) no longer takes the school bus. His parents drop him in their car. "There have been intelligence reports that they may take children hostage. Why take a chance? I'd rather have my child safe than be sorry," Ahmed's mother said.
Ten-year-old Ahmed cannot understand why the Taliban will not leave even children alone. "My mother keeps telling me to be careful because Taliban may try and kill children. Why do Taliban want to harm children? Do they want us to be illiterate?" he asks.
Some parents have even stopped their children from stepping out to play or go cycling. "I get so bored. My mother does not allow me to step out," complained Mustafa (name changed) who studies at Froebel's International School.
Markets wear a deserted look, streets are empty and many people have stopped sending their children to school. Children are taught to stay away from "suspicious" looking persons, how to operate in emergencies, and schools are holding "lockdown" drills to prepare students to respond to a possible terrorist strike.
Ahmed Khan (name changed) no longer takes the school bus. His parents drop him in their car. "There have been intelligence reports that they may take children hostage. Why take a chance? I'd rather have my child safe than be sorry," Ahmed's mother said.
Ten-year-old Ahmed cannot understand why the Taliban will not leave even children alone. "My mother keeps telling me to be careful because Taliban may try and kill children. Why do Taliban want to harm children? Do they want us to be illiterate?" he asks.
Some parents have even stopped their children from stepping out to play or go cycling. "I get so bored. My mother does not allow me to step out," complained Mustafa (name changed) who studies at Froebel's International School.
