With Eidul Azha just around the corner, shopping has started to gain momentum in Rawalpindi with a large number of people, particularly women and children, flocking to main markets, bazaars and malls in Rawalpindi.
Temporary stalls selling readymade clothes, bangles, earrings and cosmetics have also sprung up throughout the garrison city.
Earlier, the Punjab government lifted the restriction on the closure of markets and shopping centres at 9pm, till July 9 (Chaan Raat) to facilitate the public ahead of Eidul Azha.
Traders also expressed their satisfaction over the relaxation regarding the business hours announced by the Punjab government.
Earlier, the Punjab government shortened working hours for markets and business centres across the province including in Rawalpindi. The government had shortened the working hours for markets and businesses aimed at conserving electricity to save the country from going deep into a power crisis and providing relief to the people against the scourge of load-shedding.
Markets and bazaars in Rawalpindi remained abuzz with customers on Sunday as buyers resorted to Eid shopping without being worried about the early closure of shops.
A festive environment in shopping was noticed at the busy markets including Saddar, Lalkurti, Commercial Market, Moti Bazar and several other markets of the garrison city.
Trader Muhammad Nadeem said that the Punjab government’s decision to relax business hours was a great relief for traders and the people at large in the scorching heat as most customers prefer to venture out after the sunset.
He said that the relaxation of the business hours will not only facilitate customers but also help traders to sell out the stock they had booked for Eidul Azha.
A citizen, Gohar Rehman, said that he works and could not find time for shopping during the daytime. Now, the timing relaxation has made it easier for him to do Eid shopping at night.
On the other hand, the Rawalpindi police have increased the security of the bazaars and markets by deploying additional personnel.
Meanwhile, special arrangements have also been made by the Rawalpindi City Traffic Police to ensure traffic flow.
Eid shopping is picking up momentum in the federal capital city as buyers swarm markets and shopping malls all over the city during the last days of Eidul Azha.
Several local and international brands have begun displaying their latest Eid editions of dresses, shoes, and other essential accessories to attract buyers and gain maximum profits. Families come out for shopping soon after iftar and are seen buying shoes, cosmetics, ready-made garments, eye-catching artificial jewellery, multi-coloured bangles, and other items for the upcoming festival of Eid ul Fitr. A colourful variety of stalls have been set up displaying earrings, glittering bangles, embroidered clothes, and jewellery, said a citizen.
A bangle seller said “The number of customers is gradually picking up and hopefully it will go further up as Eidul Azha approaches.” A customer said, “I have completed shopping for my kids and I have bought clothes and matching shoes.”
Hawkers are also making brisk sales of clothes, footwear, cosmetics, and other goods as these products are generally purchased by low-income people ahead of Eid, said another citizen. Several Eid shoppers also complained of overpricing, especially of women’s and kids’ clothing.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2022.
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