The ongoing devastating floods have not only swept away people and their belongings, but also shoppers from the city markets as no hustle and bustle is visible in these markets despite start of second Ashra (second 10 days) of the Holy month of Ramazan.
Eid shopping, as a matter of fact, is considered to be a big business opportunity for retailers, particularly in the clothing and shoe markets during the second Ashra of Ramazan, which presently seems a far-fetched idea due to the devastating floods.
After taking a round of various markets in Lahore including Panorama Centre, Naqi Market, Anarkali bazaar, it could be witnessed that there is no traditional hustle and bustle as shoppers keep themselves away from Eid shopping. "Our brethren are facing havoc played by worst floods, they have lost their near and dear ones, houses, animals, and even do not have sufficient food and water. I have decided not to purchase new clothes on this Eid," Ghulam Farooq, a local citizen said.
However, Javed Khan, owner of a big shoe store, seemed optimistic as he said that they are expecting traditional rush of Eid shopping after 20th Ramazan. According to him, a pair of shoe is a basic necessity and everybody would have to purchase it, therefore, there will be traditional activity in this business in the coming days.
Unprecedented floods have also taken inflation level to its peak, denting the purchasing power of the common man and leaving for him no choice but to slash down several items from his Eid shopping list. Nevertheless, people continue to expresses sympathy with their affected brethren. In Lahore, relief camps have been set up outside the shopping centres where people are donating relief goods and cash. Experts believe that floods have caused serious damage to country's economy as billions of rupees would be required for the reconstruction of flood-hit areas and rehabilitation of flood affectees.