Rawalpindi markets have something for everyone

With the last ‘ashra’ of holy Ramazan in progress, Eid shopping has started picking up moementum. The number of people hitting the markets also keeps increasing day by day. Seasonal migrants also land in Rawalpindi during Ramazan for a quick buck from rural areas.
“I along with my family members and friends in mohallah visit old city markets like Raja Bazaar, Saddar, where ladies’ dresses, shoes, sandals, bangles, along with children’s dresses and shoes, are on sale,” says Najaf Ali, a bank employee.
“All roads lead to markets these days. I have visited Purana Qila, Urdu Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Qasai Gali and Bhabra Bazaar. Very recently, I visited Saddar, Moti Bazaar, Raja Bazaar, Kashmiri Bazaar and Bohar Bazaar. All of them have a festive air and tempting products which summon city residents. I don’t care much about large jostling crowds or the noise around, this is highly exciting, indeed,” says Haider Ali, a university student.
“For me, shopping assumes a new meaning at these markets that offer me the opportunity to buy from a wide range of merchandise with product categories ranging from clothing, jewellery, footwear, beauty products, perfumes, food, at affordable price,” says Aneeqa Taqi, a private school principal.
“These are interesting marketplaces with matchless family bonding opportunities providing visitors great ambience, unique shopping experience, enormous deals and offers from retailers coupled with fun, food, excitement and surprises. There is something for everyone,” adds Aneeqa.
Masrur Zulfiqar Ali, a school teacher said: “Rawalpindi old markets host a number of retailers presenting diverse variety of products for us the poor Pindiites, offering a unique retail experience as an alternative to famous malls. It is a departure from posh markets, where unaffordable prices usually spell displeasures for customers and affect their shopping experience.”
“Seething with people, the streets of these bazaars are stacked with good things to buy: ‘duputtas’, embroidered ‘kurta shalwar’, household linen, flowers, food and anything our heart desires,” says Mrs. Naseeb Hussain.
Talat Fatima, a trader, said: “The few days before Eid are when people actually start buying, rather than just browsing, which is what they are doing now at some markets. Last-minute purchases for women include food items and beauty treatments; they also search for dresses in hues and patterns of their choice. Henna painting is very much in demand. Each henna painting cost depends on the design.” She added,” We get hundreds of customers during that period because people want their henna to be nice and fresh for the Eid days.”
“Some shops offer a good selection of clothing in many colours adorned with sequins to make them more elaborate for rural women. This contrasts with the more subdued style of women from posh areas, who wear suits with minimal embellishment,” added Talat.
“I visit Moti Bazaar for garments and related items. I enter Raja Bazaar from Fawara Chowk side. On the left hand side I visit the wholesale market of dry items and general merchandise, while on the right hand side I go to purchase fruits and vegetables. From Namak Mandi I get grains, pulse and grams” says Basit Ali, who sells these items.
“Old street markets are the ideal place to pick up some of the best deals. From Murree Road to Saddar, Raja Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Jamia Masjid Road to Gawalmandi, the picture is the same.
My family is on a shopping spree to buy new stuff today,” says Mudassar Rizvi, a college lecturer.