Armed robbers create Eid 'nightmare' for tailor in Pakistan

Gunmen took more than 200 outfits ordered for the holiday from a shop in Islamabad

Muhammad Razzaq, a tailor in Islamabad, stitches clothes at his shop after armed men stole more than 200 outfits ordered by customers for Eid Al Fitr. AFP

Armed robbers in Pakistan stole more than 200 outfits made for the Eid Al Fitr holiday from a tailor's shop in the capital Islamabad after tying up and beating members of staff.

Muhammad Razzaq said the robbers barged into his shop and made off with 240 completed or near-finished shalwar kameez — Pakistan's national dress.

"The police have not been able to find any clue to the ruthless guys who turned this Eid for me into a nightmare," Mr Razzaq said.

The value of the stolen clothes was more than 720,000 rupees ($4,000), he said.

Eid Al Fitr preparations around the world — in pictures

Muslims around the world usually buy new outfits and jewellery for Eid Al Fitr, with tailor-made outfits an affordable option for many.

The Eid festival is expected to begin on Monday or Tuesday in Pakistan, depending on the sighting of the new moon.

Most of the shelves in Mr Razzaq's shop were empty on Friday as he sat disconsolately behind a sewing machine.

"I have been working in the area for the last 20 years and have customers who come to me from posh areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi with branded and expensive fabrics," he said.

Salman Ashraf, one of the tailors tied up during the raid, said the robbers were aggressive.

"The gunmen thrashed us, tied us with ropes and asked us to remain silent," he said.

Police said they were investigating the incident.