Continuing downpour has severely hit the last movement shopping of Eidul Azha, while trading activities in the wholesale and retail commodity markets also remained flat owing to shortage of buyers. Only one day left for Eid and rain for the last two days disrupted normal life, creating woes to city dwellers, in particular Eid shoppers.
Shopping malls in the provincial capital witnessed poor sales of garments ahead of Eid, causing immense frustration among the shop owners.
Extraordinary high prices of sacrificial animals, preparation for Independence Day and other essential items has compelled many families to stay away from readymade garments markets on Eidul Azha.
High animal prices have left people with little surplus cash to buy readymade dresses and shoes for upcoming Eidul Azha.
Last-days Eid shoppers had a harrowing time as rains brought the city to a virtual standstill with clogged roads leading to traffic snarl and affecting free movement in the busy areas.
Traders said the market people had been witnessing decline in sales for the last two days as many customers had been reluctant in visiting the markets from Friday morning after the rains.
While visiting different city shopping malls, this correspondent found that most of the salespersons were sitting idle and eagerly waiting for the customers at their shops.
On the other hand, the purchase of the sacrificial animals by the buyers has gain momentum and more and more people are turning to collective sacrifices as a solution to the skyrocketing prices of sacrificial animals.
A majority of citizens, when asked, said it was difficult for them to buy goats or sheep as the prices were out of their range, terming unimaginable and uncontrollable inflation the reason barring them from buying the animals. They regretted that it had become very difficult to perform the religious ritual.
The sellers also try hard to occupy ideal places in markets to earn the maximum profit. "It is a golden chance for us to sell maximum number of animals", said a trader.