Flea Markets: A Lifeline for the Poor During Winter
Shumaila Noreen
Islamabad: As winter sets in and the chill starts to bite, flea markets have once again become a crucial refuge for the poor in various cities of Pakistan, offering a way to survive the cold with affordable second-hand woolen wear.
These markets, particularly in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, draw large crowds every winter as low-income families scramble to find warmer clothes for the season.
With rising inflation and soaring prices of winter essentials, many people in the twin cities turn to flea markets to purchase sweaters, jackets, caps, socks, and hoodies basic items necessary to protect themselves and their children from the harsh cold.
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This winter shopping is not just about comfort; it’s about survival, especially for those battling seasonal allergies, chest infections, and influenza.
Yet, while the seasons change, the lives of millions of poor Pakistanis remain stagnant. Every year, they rely on used clothes, often imported from western countries, to stay warm.
Despite the inconvenience and the blow to their self-esteem, many have no choice but to buy these second-hand items because fresh, branded woolen clothing is simply beyond their reach.
The escalating inflationary crisis has further squeezed the purchasing power of all social classes. However, it is the lower middle class and the impoverished that are bearing the brunt of this economic struggle.
Ironically, even second-hand clothes at flea markets, once considered affordable, are now out of reach for many.
Sajid Abbasi, a father of four from Rawalpindi, lamented the rising costs of used winter clothes. “Even the second-hand clothes we used to buy for our children are now priced too high,” he said.
“I’m already struggling to make ends meet, and now, purchasing even the most basic winter items for my kids has upset my monthly budget.” Sajid worries about the increasing number of families, like his, who cannot even afford these used clothes.
This frustration is not unique to Sajid. Many others who lost their jobs during Pakistan’s recent economic downturn, especially due to policies under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) government, are also finding it difficult to cope.
While the current government is making efforts to revive the economy, the scars of past mismanagement remain evident in the daily lives of the country’s poorest.
Abida Rehman, another buyer, shared her struggles as a single-income household. “With the rising prices of everything, it has become nearly impossible for me to buy clothes for my three children.
It’s frustrating when only one person in the family is working,” she said. She also voiced her dissatisfaction with online retailers, accusing them of exploiting customers with overpriced, low-quality products.
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Despite the hardships, flea markets remain a vital lifeline for many families. These markets provide a variety of imported, second-hand clothing at relatively affordable prices, allowing people to maintain some dignity in a society where appearance often matters, especially in workplaces.
Nisar Ahmed, a father of four, pointed out the importance of flea markets, saying, “Despite the rising prices, it’s still better than shopping in the high-priced retail markets. At least in flea markets, we have some options to preserve our dignity and present ourselves respectably.”
Retailers at these markets attribute the price hikes to broader economic factors. Bilal Nadeem, a seller of second-hand clothing, explained, “The prices of winter items have increased for a variety of reasons. If we sell them at lower rates, we will face losses. Even now, we’re barely making a profit due to the inflationary environment.”
Amanullah, another seller at the Sunday Bazaar, identified rising fuel costs and higher taxes as key drivers of the price increases. “Last year, men’s jackets were priced between Rs. 1,200 and Rs. 1,500. This year, they’re going for Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,000. The same trend applies to women’s and children’s clothing.”
The growing cost of living continues to strain low-income families, forcing them to make tough decisions in order to buy winter necessities. While flea markets once offered some respite, their diminishing affordability is now adding to the challenges faced by both buyers and sellers in a struggling economy.
If this trend persists, many families already teetering on the brink of poverty will soon find it even harder to buy basic items, even from flea markets.
In this context, the need for equitable wealth distribution, job creation, and welfare-oriented policies has never been more urgent to safeguard the interests of the lower middle and poor segments of society.
The feature story was released by APP.
All the information provided in this report is the sole responsibility of the reporter.
