Traditions
Good leather store which specialises in bags, wallets and briefcases. Leather is cheap and while the quality and finish may not be of the highest standard, it is more than presentable. Designs are generally not original. They also have a few accessories such as key chains, filo-faxes and notepads.
Address : F-7 Jinnah Market
Chen One
A multi purpose 'fabric' store which has a very reasonably priced range of bed-sheets, covers, duvets, bathroom towels and mats. The quality is good and the designs are usually not original. They also stock a less impressive range of clothing.
Address : F-7 Jinnah Market
Florists
Opposite the main entrance to Jinnah market you will also find a row of florists all providing much the same variety of seasonal flowers at pretty much the same prices. There are ranges of bouquets to choose from starting at around Rs 100 right through to the more elaborate and expensive designs, which are more expensive. The florists were dotted around the city until the Capital Development Authority decided that they looked 'prettier' together! Quite true!
Address : F-7 Jinnah Market
Durrani's
For Art Supplies, stationery, paper and pens, you need look no further than Durrani's, one of Islamabad's oldest and most sucessful shops. Durrani's provides the most comprehensive selection of art materials available in the city and a decent range of imported pens.
Address : F-6 Super Market
London Book Store
Offers the best selection of paperbacks available in the city. A quiet and unobtrusive shop which attracts a regular clientele especially because they import a wide range of European and American publications with an emphasis on newspapers from the UK. One can come across the New York Times and even the New York Post, as well as papers from all over Europe as well as the Middle East. Singapore and Hong Kong are also represented. The Book shop imports a fairly wide range of imported magazines which, due to their weight, end up becoming exorbitantly expensive once they arrive on the shel, so expect to pay about $10 for a $2.50 magazine!
Address : F-6/3 Kohsar Market
United Bakery
Landmark business of Islamabad. Offers the usual array of pastries, cakes, biscuits, breads and loads of other sweet and snackish fare. They have a loyal clientele - it is probably the largest of the bakeries in terms of size if not selection.
Address : F-6 Super Market
Shaheen Chemist
Shaheen chemists are as thorough as any chemist shop in Islamabad and offer stuff like cosmetics and Body Shop items, often at exorbitant prices.
Address : F-6 Super Market
Off Beat
You will find a fair selection of mainstream Western music and of course the latest Indian Bollywood beats as well! Most of the recorded tapes are "fast" recorded and for people looking for quality sound recordings, you would be far better off ordering online and receiving a non pirated genuine article.
Address : F-7 Jinnah Market
Book Fair & Other Stationery Stores
Head to Book Fair for more generic reading material and stationery. For office stationery, check out Wasim Stationers (behind Afghan bakery) and try Book Nook for greeting cards.
Address : F-7 Jinnah Market
Qureshi's
Islamabad's premier butcher shop, Qureshi's offers the best selection of fresh and frozen meat, including frankfurters and sausages (non-pork of course). They also have a supply of turkey for occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Qureshi's is another of Islamabad's success stories and appear to be maintaining a decent standard. Pet food is also available.
Address : F-6/3 Kohsar Market
[source:www.islamabad-hotels.com.pk]
