The Eid shopping season of 2026 has officially become the worst in the history of Pakistan. Atiq Mir, chairman of the All Karachi Traders’ Alliance, shared these troubling details during a recent industry review. He noted that the prices of essential goods increased by nearly 60% compared to the previous year. Consequently, overall shopping activity across the country dropped by a staggering 40%. These figures highlight a severe economic downturn that has left many local businesses struggling to survive.
Traders currently face a massive surplus of unsold goods in their warehouses. Mir revealed that approximately 70% of the stock prepared specifically for the festive season remains on the shelves. Estimates suggest that total sales reached only about PKR 10 billion this year. This sharp decline in Eid sales in Pakistan stems from overwhelming inflationary pressures. The ongoing Gulf crisis and a recent hike in petrol prices have further burdened the average consumer. These factors have effectively crushed the purchasing power of the middle and lower classes.
Market activity remained largely stagnant during the first two weeks of Ramadan this year. While crowds eventually gathered during the final ten days, the actual transaction volume stayed lackluster. Most shoppers restricted their purchases to affordable ready-made garments and low-cost toys for children. Financial constraints forced many families to abandon their traditional holiday shopping plans entirely. Even in 200 of Karachi’s most prominent commercial areas, the expected rush failed to materialize. This lack of demand has created a crisis for wholesalers and retailers alike.
Beyond the economic hurdles, traders also complained about poor urban management in Karachi. Chaotic traffic systems and the presence of parking mafias discouraged many potential customers from visiting main markets. Mir criticized the government for failing to introduce policies that could provide relief to the general public. Without support, the festive spirit has been replaced by financial anxiety for both buyers and sellers. This record-breaking drop in Eid sales in Pakistan serves as a wake-up call for the national economy. Businesses now look toward the government for urgent interventions to stabilize prices and restore consumer confidence.
