Youngsters Turn Boiled Egg Sellers in Frosty Weather

APP
Multan: The surge in demand for boiled eggs amid the intense cold weather has prompted many young vendors, predominantly children, to engage in part-time sales across both urban and suburban areas.
Hundreds of preteen children have entered this seasonal business to support their families by selling boiled eggs, braving severely cold and foggy evenings in prominent locations such as main roads, streets, markets, railway stations, and bus terminals.
Children aged eight to ten typically gravitate towards city areas like shopping plazas, markets, and tea shops, while teenagers and adults cover bus stands and suburban regions.
Suleman, an 11-year-old vendor, shared his story, revealing that he earns about Rs 1,000 per day from selling three dozen boiled eggs each night, providing the sole income for his family since his father’s passing four years ago.
Despite his responsibilities, he manages to attend 5-grade classes at a local government school in the mornings.
Another child vendor, Maryam, focuses on the wholesale medicine market at Clock Tower Chowk, selling over two dozen boiled eggs daily. She mentioned receiving extra money from some compassionate shopkeepers, enhancing her savings. Her family is actively involved in the business, with two preteen brothers also participating.
Naveed, a teenage vendor at MDA Chowk, emphasized the profitability of selling boiled eggs, expressing his intention to expand by setting up a cart in the next season. He acknowledged challenges such as customers refusing to pay or paying less than the actual price but highlighted the minimal effort and investment required, along with zero chances of losses.
Expressing concern for these young vendors, citizen Hamza Riaz revealed his practice of paying extra to support them financially.
He suggested providing them with warm clothing to endure the cold weather. Boiled eggs, which were previously sold for Rs 20 to Rs 30 last year, are now priced between Rs 50 to 55 at various locations in the city due to the increased rates of eggs in the open market.