In spite of huge hue and cry from the people about the price hike and inflation, the Eid shopping has gained momentum for the upcoming Eidul Fitr. A great deal of hustle and bustle was seen in the shopping centres of Rawalpindi city. The prime time for shopping is afternoon and late nights.
After the Iftar rush gradually increases in the markets, like Saddar, Raja Bazaar, Tench Bhatta, Chohar Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Bara Market, China Market, Chaklala, Gulrez Colony, Commercial Market, Rehmanabad, Sadiqabad and other small markets of the city, which remain opened till late nights.
During day hours most shoppers are seen in the fruit and vegetable markets of the city to buy edibles for Iftar and Sehr. The market offers a large variety of seasonal fruits, including apples, pomegranates, melons, pears, bananas and local and imported dates.
With Eid coming closer, women and girls are seen visiting Bara market for imported fabrics from the NWFP and Karachi. Another Bazaar, which attracts a lot of women is the China Market, which is famous for imported goods brought from China through Gilgit Baltistan and Afghanistan.
China market is also very popular among women in Islamabad as well as those living outside the twin cities. They are mostly interested in material for wedding dresses and evening wears. Women buy Chinese material for their colour, print and durability. For children and toddlers, the market is replete with variety of clothes and within affordable price range.