KHYBER
With the approaching of Eidul Fitr, the tribesmen have started finalizing their shopping to celebrate the religious day with zeal and fervor here in Landi Kotal.
Thin rush has been noticed wandering in the various streets of Landi Kotal bazaar from dawn to dust.
Parents flanked by their children and especially the youth community can be seen in the shops of readymade clothes sellers, hosiery, shoes and cosmetics etc. while the shopkeepers have decorated their stalls to attract customers.
Hazratullah, a shoe seller in the bazaar said, contrary to last year, locals are least interested in Eid shopping due to the weak economical condition of the people as compared to last year, their sale has decreased to 40 percent.
Regarding prices of foot wear, he said, approximately Rs. 400 to Rs.700 per pair price has increased in children and adults in import and local made shoes.
He added that local traders prefer to sell their merchandise at reasonable prices to finish their stalk as soon as possible.
Imran Shinwari,a customer in the bazaar said that as much as 40 percent hike has been observed in prices of shoes, readymade clothes,hosiery etc.
Because to poor economic condition, prevailed across the country have suffered every single citizen therefore it is impossible for middle class person to spend lavishly on stuffs rather than food items, he added.
A local shopkeeper Saeed Khan deals in children ready-made clothes, hosiery in Landi Kotal bazaar said, in the current season prices of readymade suit has been raised by the whole sale dealers in Peshawar and other parts of the country and Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 increased has been made in the suits for boys and girls.
Comparatively, the purchasing ratio of the commodity is less than previous years as customers have no additional money to spend on it.
President Anjuman-e-Tajeran,Landi Kotal bazaar,Jafer Shinwari said that Landi Kotal bazaar mostly depends on Torkham border and with imposition of pedestrians crossing restrictions have suffered business activities in the market.
Previously, he added Eastern provinces traders of Afghanistan frequently had visited the bazaar and bought different kinds of merchandise goods, however with restriction at the border, they leaned towards Iran and Central Asian countries to fulfill their need that has negative impact on Landi Kotal bazaar.
He demanded of the government to make relaxation at border restrictions for the best interest of tribesmen so that trading activities boost up in Landi Kotal.
