Locals throng flea markets as mercury dips

As snow dusted the mountains in nearby hill-stations, residents of Jhelum have started thronging local flea markets to buy warm clothes.

The arrival of winter in Jhelum has been accompanied by a massive rush of buyers as temperatures dropped across the district on Tuesday.

Already struggling with inflation, many people chose to visit flea markets for their winter shopping as they are unable to afford new clothes.

It’s not only these markets which are witnessing an influx of customers, but various stalls set up across the city at different spots are being visited by buyers ever since the temperature dropped, locals noted.

A popular haven for the poor for every season's clothing, Amsaal Bazaar is among the markets which have seen the number of visitors increase day-by-day.

However, inflation in the country has not spared even these ‘cheaper’ alternatives with prices of various items rising manifold when compared to last year, vendors and buyers shared.

Locals criticised the government for the overall hike in prices, adding that those occupying powerful positions should think about the poor and provide them with relief at the earliest. They demanded the government to take steps to alleviate poverty.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16^th, 2020.