PESHAWAR
As the holy month of Ramazan approaches, the aroma and allure of dates have taken over Peshawar and Nowshera bustling fruit markets, bringing smiles to traders and drawing crowds of eager buyers.
Musawar Khan (30), a modest dates seller from DI Khan, is among those reaping the seasonal rewards. Busy like a honeybee at historic Qissakhwani Bazaar in Peshawar; Musawar Ali who is assisted by his brother struggles to keep up with demand as his entire stock sells out daily.
“All varieties are selling like hot cakes despite higher prices this year,” Musawar told APP while weighing dates on a hand scale, the sun setting behind the Khyber Hills. “Pakistani Dhaki and Panjgur dates are in great demand because of their mouth-watering taste and high energy these days.”
Wearing a traditional turban, the motivated vendor said interest from traders and consumers has surged, with demand from Gulf countries also increasing. “Our dates are affordable compared to Ajwa and Iranian varieties, yet unmatched in taste,” he added.
Fazal Wahab Khan, Director Agriculture Research Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said demand for dates traditionally rises with the arrival of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak.
“Pakistan is the fifth-largest producer of dates in the world after Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UAE,” he said, attributing the country’s ranking to fertile land and a favorable climate.
He said more than 60 varieties of dates are produced in the Makran division of Balochistan, with fresh stock now reaching KP markets. “Dhaki dates of DI Khan and those produced in Kech and Panjgur districts enjoy extraordinary popularity.
Nearly 45 percent of dates consumed in Pakistan come from these regions.” According to him, about 150,000 tonnes of dates are produced annually in Turbat and Kech over 24,200 hectares. Overall, Pakistan produces between 550,000 and 650,000 metric tonnes of dates each year. “Production can be increased further by providing financial incentives to growers,” he added.
Dr Malik Riaz Khan, Head of the Medical Ward at Government Hospital Pabbi, highlighted the health benefits of dates, recommending their regular consumption. “Eating at least five dates daily helps restore blood sugar levels and provides instant energy,” he said. “Low blood sugar is a common cause of headaches and dizziness, which is why dates are especially beneficial ahead of Ramazan.”
He said dates are easy to digest, reduce excessive hunger, and help prevent overeating that leads to digestive disorders. “They prepare the stomach for food by activating digestive secretions,” he explained.
Citing scientific studies, Dr Riaz said dates are particularly beneficial for pregnant women and lactating mothers, as they strengthen womb muscles, ease delivery and support newborn health.
Across Peshawar, dates outlets have witnessed a massive influx of buyers. Markets including Gul Bhar, Firdus, Hashtnagri, Chamkani, Faqirabad, Board, Tehkal, Cantonment, Pishtakhara, Kohat Road, Dalazak Road and historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar are flooded with local and imported varieties.
“Dhaki kajoor is my first choice for iftar,” said Qaiser Khan, a retired WAPDA employee from Wapda Town. “I bought six kilograms includes two kilos each for my married daughters as a special Ramazan gift.”
Despite rising prices, dates remain an essential part of the Ramazan dastarkhwan. This year, Muzafati dates are selling at Rs420–440 per kilogram compared to Rs400–420 last year, while Iranian dates have risen to Rs280–300 per kg from Rs260. Dhaki dates from DI Khan are being sold at Rs440–460 per kg, up from Rs380–400 last year.
“Ajwa dates are expensive but my iftar is incomplete without them,” said Sindas Bibi, a lecturer, at Hashtnagri Bazaar. “I prefer Ajwa for its taste and health benefits, though my family favors Dhaki dates.”
Panjgur dates are also gaining popularity for their quality and nutritional value. “I wanted to buy four kilograms for my sister, but could afford only two due to high prices,” Sundas added.
Consumers urged district administrations to strictly monitor prices of essential food items, including dates, ahead of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak to facilitate the public amid rising inflation in KP.
