Pakistani citizens boycott fruits to take action against profiteering in Ramadan

Published Mar 27, 2023

Tridge summary

A nationwide four-day boycott of fruit vendors in Pakistan has been initiated due to anger over inflated prices during Ramadan, with the #BoycottFruits hashtag trending on social media. This protest is a response to vendors' disregard for government-set fixed prices, with essential fruits like bananas, guavas, papayas, and apples being significantly marked up. The campaign, which originated in Karachi, has gained traction through social media and celebrity endorsements, although some critics suggest that such actions won't lead to lasting price reductions until the government takes more significant measures against traders, commission agents, and wholesalers. In response, local authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are cracking down on profiteers and price gougers, imposing fines and making arrests to provide relief to citizens.

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Original content

Islamabad: Frustrated with soaring prices and profiteering during Ramadan, Pakistani citizens have launched a nationwide boycott of fruit vendors for four days from March 27 to 31. Social media has been brimming with posts of calls for a boycott of fruit vendors who are charging above the fixed prices. The hashtag #BoycottFruits has been trending with many people urging others to join the protest. The campaign has gained widespread support from Pakistanis who feel that they are being overcharged for essential items as the vendors fail to comply with the government-set fixed price list. “We are being charged double, triple the actual price of fruits. It is not fair, especially during Ramadan and when people are already struggling to make ends meet due to inflation,” said Aliya Ahmed, a resident of Islamabad. In Islamabad, bananas were being sold at an inflated price of Rs400 per dozen and guavas for Rs400 per kilogram. Papayas were also overpriced at Rs200 per kilogram, while ...

Source: Gulfnews