Tailors refuse Eid orders in twin cities

Closure deadline looms as May 8 last day for businesses

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI:

An overwhelming majority of the tailors in the twin cities have stopped taking orders for stitching clothes, especially those who will leave for their hometowns to celebrate Eidul Fitr, The Express Tribune learnt on Tuesday.

The primary factor for tailors not taking additional orders is the closure of businesses from May 8 as per the government's decision to initiate strict Covid-19 curtailing measures.

The holy month of Ramazan proves a blessing for many trades like tailors, beauticians, and retailers of garments, shoes, jewellery and sellers of many other accessories that make huge business during Eid. However, all such businesses will be closed from Saturday (May 8).

In normal circumstances, a majority of the tailors in main markets stop taking orders around mid-Ramazan while tailors who operate shops in towns and streets away from the main commercial area continue to take orders till the last few days of Ramazan. This year even these tailors are not taking new orders and trying to clear their backlog.

“I bought unstitched cloth for my Eid dress very late due to my busy office schedule and closure of markets at 6pm and during the weekend. My tailor has refused to stitch my dress as he has to complete all his orders and leave for his home town,” said a frustrated customer.

“I have no option but to buy a readymade dress but all the good designs and quality dresses are probably sold,” she added.

Another client was seen arguing with her tailor, “I had placed my order with the tailor but now he has refused to stitch my dress saying that he has to move to his hometown a few days earlier due to public transport closure amid surging cases of Covid-19.” She added that she will now have to buy ready to wear clothes that are more expensive.

It is pertinent to mention that businesses, shopping malls, public places, and recreational spots will all remain closed from May 8 to 16 as per the directives of the authorities.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6^th, 2021.