When winter arrives in Islamabad, the cravings for nuts start right away … But with every passing year the prices of dry fruits are going high and high - almost beyond the reach of a common Pakistani.

The dry fruits specially loved by us, the Pakistanis, are pine nuts [chalghoza] , peanuts [Mongh Phalli], Walnuts [Akhrot], Almonds [Badaam] Amlok and few of us (like ME) love dried apricots as well … This year you can get pine nuts per kg at a cost of round about Rs. 1000-1200 … I don’t like them anyways … so best of luck to everyone who likes them :>

Last night I had the opportunity to visit sector G-11. It was pleasant surprised by how much the conditions have improved there. The sector looks really beautiful with the all roads freshly paved with adequate orange lighting. A few months ago the sector looked like a war zone, with deteriorating road network, dark streets, and bushes growing every where. I would say G-11 has really come up with a good face and looks more beautiful than any other sectors of Islamabad, even the elite ones, where we still do not have adequate lighting.

However, I guess things are about to change soon. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has started work on preparing a plan to carry out improvement and face-lift in four markets in Sectors F-6, G-6,G-7, and G-9. The plan is too re develop the super market in F-6 on the patterns of markets in urban centers in developed countries. The authority will improve the infrastructure while the renovation of the buildings would be done by the owners of plazas from their own resources. Similarly, Sector G-6 would be re-developed to provide accommodation for the government employees

I think some one from the higher ups really took heed to my ranting earlier this week. ICT administration fined 14 shopkeepers Rs 7000 for overcharging and not displaying the rate list. Read on for more details on this.
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Hiking seems to be a popular sport in the Capital. So much so, that even the prices of basic consumables enjoy it. And the price hike is more than any other city in the country
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This Sunday I made a trip to the “Mandi Maweshia” also known as Bakra Mandi that is being placed in H-11 this year - yes you are right the same ground where last year earthquake affectees were placed.

I don’t know if it’s large place that’s making the number of sacrificial animals lesser than every year or what … but I guess it’s enough to cater the needs of Islooittes.

Just step in the locality and a very familiar “Goaty smell” or as I normally say “the feeling of Bakriat” is what you’ll feel. Don’t worry move on. To be honest, this was the first time after so many years that I actually stepped inside the bakra mandi … face to face with all bakras and dunbas and gayays. So it was interesting too and incidentally I was the only girl in whole Bakra mandi at that time taking portraits of bakras aka goats and stylish “phedoos” aka sheep with utmost tries to stay as far as possible.

Few tips for newbie who may go out to look for animals just for fun with their parents, or maybe friends …. Few terms that are associated with Goats are:

Kheera: It’s the animal that is of 1.5 - 2 years old.

Donda: This animal is of 2+ age and usually have 4 teeth in front.

Choga: This is of around 4 years of age and is considered a bit older with not very good quality meat.

Please correct me if I’m wrong or any additions to this “knowledge-base”

The range of goats (sorry we didn’t asked for Bulls or camel :>) would go from 7K to 20+ for an average to a very good piece. Do take tips on your way to buying a sacrificial animal for differentiating between a healthy and sick animal … and do look thoroughly if the animal is hurt from somewhere.
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With everything going “E” > … now the Bakras are E too … with this EBakra service that has kicked off from Islamabad - the sacrificial trends are changing too … going towards modernity and technological-friendly …!

Got to know of ebakra first through ATP’s post Billo for dinner … and saw its banner in Blue area today that really got me all giggling … quoting from All things Pakistan …!

ebakra.com is a service provided by Islamabad’s famous Qureshi Frozen Foods (which traditionally serves expatriate customers and others willing to pay premium price for high-quality, cleanliness and variety in meat products). The prices on the website right now are quite exhorbitant ( I am told by bakra connoisseurs better versed in the dynamics of the bakra market than myself that the price being asked on this website is more than twice what you would otherwise pay for the best bakras).

As of now, there is no service for overseas Pakistanis or for Eid Qurbani, but they say they are planning something. Right now their service is for delivery in Islamabad and their current product line is limited only to dunbas (goats): Here you can find animals of your choice, order it online and get the free delivery right at your doorstep. Rest assured that the health and safety standards are not compromised at any cost and we take every possible measure to make sure that our customers are satisfied with our services and products.

A vast expanse of land in Sector H-11 where people affected by last year’s earthquake camped not long ago is echoing with the ‘moos’ of bulls. The first of the sacrificial animals began arriving ahead of Eidul Azha.

Located next to the new graveyard still awaiting its formal inauguration, the market for the sale of animals was brimming with activity as cattle-owners started setting up shop about 10 days ahead of the big festival.
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Oh, yeah it’s Eid ul Azha’s time too. With eid approaching fast, the cattle owners, like many others, have arrived in Islamabad with their flock of sheep.

Let’s see what’d be the prices this year … with everything going high and high …. let’s hope for even Higher demands !!!

Has anyone else noticed just how many Chinese products are flooding the markets today? I spent the last weekend being dragged literally around the entire city to go sweater shopping and was mildly amused at the difference of rates depending on the market, and definitely not depending on the make or style of the sweater. Ladies, lend me your ears and listen well. Two major types of sweaters are making the rounds this year; really long ones and then really short ones that fit around the waist. If you’re short like me, they’ll do fine. :) The long ones are quite nice and look quite elegant specially when worn with trousers, jeans or non-baggy shalwars. The Pakistani makes are elegant, nice, fine wool and in single tones in skin, black, blue or even maroon and a bargain at around Rs. 700/- each in Karachi Company. Then, there’s the Chinese variety that is everywhere from Super Market to Jinnah Super to Karachi Company itself and here is where the prices differ. A sweater you could get for around 625/- , 650/- in Karachi Company including bargaining is being sold at least a 150 rupees higher price in Super Market. They try to tell you the make is different, but do not fall for it. The sweaters are kind of cool, in bright colours with woolen laces and motifs on the pockets and collars etc and are nice and comfortable and mostly available in thick knit. However, beware, that some shops in Karachi company charge higher too. Example, a sweater that I bought from a shop was pointed out to me at 200/- rupees more than the asking price at the shop I bought it from. (The high charging shop be the one in the basement).

On the average, a reasonable sweater that could last you at least two winters, even if you’re a rough and ready person like me will set you back between 650 to 750 rupees on an average which is not bad. If you’re a little adventurous, you can get away with wearing the bolder patterns and colors and if you’re a girlie girl, there’s plenty of options with beads and laces and motifs on them too. So do your thing, look cool while keeping nice and warm.

Islamabad was planned with each sector having a center point or “markaz” that would be an area geographically in the center of a sector. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, a “Markaz” is the nucleus of a sector that has markets, shops and apartments. G-9 markaz is considered one of the older markaz of Islamabad.
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