Pakistan’s economy faces rampant inflation
Pakistan’s economy is facing rampant inflation. Sales have slowed down at Pakistan Eid holiday market.
Farmers have been camped at the I-15 cattle market between Islamabad and Rawalpindi for two weeks, hoping to sell their stock ahead of the holiday, which starts Monday, but buyers are scarce.
Pakistan’s economy is in the doldrums, with rampant inflation affecting everything, including holiday spending.
“Inflation is so high that customers do not have the purchasing power,” said a native. “We can’t sell them cheaply,” he added.
“Feed is expensive, wheat is expensive, the truck fare has doubled… so there is nothing left for us.”
Like Muslims elsewhere in the world, Pakistanis usually buy an animal for slaughter over Eid al-Adha, keeping a third for themselves, a third for friends and relatives, and a third for charity.
The farmers spend time cleaning and grooming the animals, festooning them with floral garlands in the hope of attracting customers.
Still, many would-be buyers left empty-handed.
“Most people are not sacrificing animals because of the prices,” said farmer Mulazim Hussain.
