Festive season: Eid shopping gains momentum despite inflation

 Madiha Hafeez

RAWALPINDI: As Eidul Fitr comes closer, roads leading to markets and shopping malls in the Garrison city are seen jam-packed as twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are thronging to purchase their Eid wears.

Sparkling illuminations around shopping malls at Saddar, Commercial Market and Shamsabad areas are adding charms to the Eid shopping. Overcrowded roads, side lanes and heavy rush in shopping areas are also speaking volumes of the Eid festivity.

Arslan, a garment shop owner at Bank Road Saddar, when asked about the impact of inflation on Eid shopping said despite inflation there is no decline in Eid shopping in the city like a heavy rush in major shopping centers is as usual as it had been before Covid-19 pandemic.

The same rush and heavy traffic jams are being witnessed in the Commercial market, Moti Bazaar, Chan Bazar, Purana Qilla, Kartar Pura, Benazir Bhutto Road and other areas. The markets and shopping plazas were overcrowded with customers, primarily women and children. The rush starts in the markets after 11 pm at night and continues until Sehri.

The Rawalpindi district administration, with the coordination of other concerned departments and traffic police,  has set up special complaint centers in major shopping areas in the city to register complaints about thefts or pick-pocketing.

During visits to various shopping areas of the city, an unusual rush of buyers was seen; Children’s items were in excessive demand because of every family, whatever its financial position, prefers to purchase something for their young ones.

Traders Association president Sharjeel Mir said it was a trend in our society that people usually shop more during Ramazan for Eidul Fitr because this was the only occasion traditionally celebrated by Muslims with great zeal.

This year, the improved law and order situation has also reinforced shopping sprees, Mir added.