Tahir says the online trade is rapidly transforming although some people still prefer traditional channels for shopping. PHOTO: ONLINE
Besides the traditional sale points, various local brands and traders are offering their merchandise, including t-shirts, mobile phone covers, readymade dresses and souvenirs, on popular online shopping platforms.
E-shopping sites such as kaymu.pk, daraz.pk, yayvo.com, symbios.pk, homeshopping.pk and exportleftovers.com are offering merchandise they have designed based on the green and white of the national flag.
Most of the websites are offering green and white ‘azadi t-shirt’ for Rs300. A few websites have announced combo deals under which a pack of three or four t-shirts or a kurti with white tights resembling the national flag are being offered for Rs999 to Rs1,200, respectively.
Cheetay.pk CEO Ahmad Khan says, “Being a food delivery company, cheetay.pk is going to introduce various ‘azadi meals’ for Independence Day. Ordering food online is becoming popular, especially after the launch of 3G and 4G mobile communication technologies.”
Nadeem, a bookshop owner in Township, says he has been selling flags, buntings and Independence Day accessories for two decades. A large number of people have been buying these items despite the higher prices this year.
Some vendors say they import from China some products that are manufactured for Pakistan’s Independence Day.
“Technology has made shopping easy,” says AD Tahir who has recently placed an online order for a few azadi t-shirts and a national flag for his children. “You can buy online anything from food to cell phones, even a house. It is a matter of a few clicks.”
Tahir says the online trade is rapidly transforming although some people still prefer traditional channels for shopping. “Online shopping platforms are introducing innovative shopping solutions and offering great deals,” he says.
“For us, joys of Independence Day are no less than those of Eid,” says Zeeshan Khan who was shopping for August 14 with his children at a local kiosk. “We always celebrate the day with great zeal. We hoist the national flag at our home and display buntings all around. We also host a party for friends and relatives on August 14,” he says.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 9th, 2016.
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