Azadi March causes concern among wedding hall managers, hosts.

Byline: Kalbe Ali

ISLAMABAD -- Uncertainty ahead of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Azadi March has also affected weddings in the capital, causing problems for both wedding halls and hosts.

Wedding hall managers have been facing questions from clients about the expected law and order situation and the condition of roads in the coming days.

Since many wedding halls and marquees are located on the Islamabad Expressway, guests and hosts are also concerned about their safety.

The managers of such establishments, meanwhile, are fending off questions from clients.

'There have been several changes to programmes. Many people have asked to cancel their bookings, and some have opted to move the date forward,' Islamabad Caterers Association President Salman Ashraf.

He added that everyone who has booked for a large gathering is seeking advice on how to reduce the number of guests.

'Our average calculation is that around 25 to 30pc of guests come from Rawalpindi,' he said, adding: 'The problem arises because of the road blocks.'

Wedding halls charge clients according to the guests booked, even if the actual number of guests on the day is lower.

'If there are fewer guests we pack the food and give it to them,' Naz Hassan said. 'If the number of guests increases significantly, we have a kitchen and begin making preparations.'

Many managers of wedding marquees and halls...