Despite higher-than-expected inflation and a severe economic crisis in the country, Eid shopping spree on Tuesday reached its peak in Peshawar visible from the overcrowding of the markets.
As Eid is just days away, people are busy in buying readymade garments, bangles, sweets and the most sought-after Peshawari chappal.
All small and large bazaars of Peshawar including Qissa Khawani, Karimpura, Jhangirpura, Saddar and University Road are flooded with buyers of all sort.
“Normally people in Peshawar buy unstitched fabrics and then have it stitched by a tailor but this trend has changed a great deal in the recent years,” said a local resident Waqas Ahmad who was looking for readymade cloths on University Road.
He, however, complained of exorbitantly high prices of cloths compared to the last few years.
“Last year a good readymade suite was available at Rs3,000 to Rs4,000 but this year the prices are higher at a minimum Rs6,000 if you are out for branded stuff,” he said, adding that
The bangles and Peshawari chappal outlets are also attracting a large number of shoppers including youth and girls in the city markets packed with a variety of imported and local garments and shoes.
“I don’t like the Peshawari chappal or what we call Charsaddawal chappal because it is not comfortable to wear. Still it is a must-have on Eid as it is part of our traditional attire,” said another buyer Kishwar Khan, adding that some comfortable Peshawari chappals are offered by internal shoes makers but they were really expensive.
A local shopkeeper said that they are offering special discounts to customers who are already complaining of inflation.
He said that there is at least 50 per cent drop in the number of customers compared to last year due to higher prices.
Peshawar usually attracts buyers from all over the province including Charsadda, Nowshera, Khyber, Kohat, Swabi, Mohmand and Bajaur districts.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2023.
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