Shopping in the markets of provincial metropolis has decreased significantly because of the intense heat wave and lack of facilities. Lack of cold drinking water as well as shadowed parking and public toilets has raised concerns of the customers and the shopkeepers. On one hand, the lengthy sunny days are keeping the customers indoors and on the other hand, traders are complaining about the frequent power outages, especially after 8pm. Traders claimed that the prolonged electricity breakdowns and heat spells were keeping the shoppers away which was adding to the plight of the already inflation-struck businesses. Citizens claimed that shops with air conditioners and power generators charged too much, adding to their financial burden.
Owner of Rehman Garments at G1 Market Johar Town told Pakistan Today there had been a considerable decrease in sales and the traders were forced to use generators to attract consumers to the market, which was an additional expense. He said businesses were already on the decline because of inflation and the sweltering heat had made life difficult for traders as well as customers. Various markets including Ichhra and Ferozepur Road Bazaars looked deserted. A shopkeeper at Ferozepur Road told Pakistan Today that the traders were facing problems as manufacturers did not invest in the country and they had to keep imported commodities in the shops which the majority could not afford.
Traders were also of the view that thousands of citizens with buying power spent summer holidays out of the city or country which affected their business to some extent. Increasing number of heat strokes and sunburns are also keeping the citizens from visiting markets. People demanded the government build more public toilets, especially in markets, to facilitate customers. A customer, Waseem said he did all his summer shopping before the intense heat spell started.
He said humidity had increased because of the recent rains and it was extremely difficult to go out without an air conditioned transport. Another customer, Mudassir Jamil, said since there were hardly any covered parking, he never went shopping during the day. He said because of a lack of cold drinking water, citizens were forced to consume unhygienic drinks from road-side vendors. He criticised the authorities for their failure to provide proper facilities in commercial areas.
