ABDULLAH MUGHAL

LAHORE: In glittering markets of the provincial capital, the Eid shopping has shifted its top gear as a considerable crowd including youngsters, women and children has been observed visiting all major commercial markets soon after the Iftar to buy essential items for Eid-ul-Fitr.

A sizeable number of ‘seasonal’ traders have also set up their temporary stalls of stylish bangles and hina (mehdi) which is an essential part of Eid celebrations for women. The stalls have been set up on footpaths and inside shops and shopping centres.

Similarly, a good number of stalls offering male outfits at cheaper rates have also been established which are attracting low income segment of society. On these stalls, a single jeans pent is easily available in between Rs500 to Rs600. However, a single male jeans pent is being sold at around Rs1500 to Rs1800 in proper shops, except offering various brands.

The brand shops are offering an eye-catching discount to attract customers. But they complained that prices were still out of their purchasing power.

The local traders, however, also established their stalls, selling footwear at very cheaper rates.

Some low income people, who spoke to this scribe, said they will purchase their Eid items from roadside vendors and the shops of Pathans (the Pashtoon people who have settled in Lahore and usually dealing in second-hand stuff).

They said the main advantage of buying things from Pathan shops is easy negotiation which they cannot do at branded outlets. “At initial stage, they demand a very high price but later they sell their items at affordable rates,” a youngster said. Like each year, he expressed optimism that the business of Pathans will flourish this year too as such market or shops are the last hope for the lower or middle class.

The city police have also made stringent measures to ensure security during the Eid days besides keeping an eye on non-state actors.

The police have also devised a plan to control hooliganism activities during the last days of Ramazan. It may be noted that every nook and corner of the city has been flooded with a handsome crowd of people.

The encroachment level is very high, creating chaotic situation for commuters and pedestrians.