Pakistanis begin boycott of fruit and vegetables over elevated Ramadan prices
Staff Writer |
A social media campaign calling for a three-day boycott of buying fruit to protest against soaring prices in Ramadan has gathered a huge response from frustrated consumers across Pakistan.
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The chain-text campaign launched only a few days ago has picked up with people advising each other to boycott the fruit vendors from June 2 to June 4 in an effort to force the sellers to sell fruits at reasonable prices.
"If we boycott the fruit-buying for three days only, the stored fruits will start getting rotten in the godowns forcing the sellers to sell it at way cheaper prices.
This may sound tough, but only you, as consumers, can force the seller to revise fruit prices," read the message.
A public service organisation ‘Aawaz-e-Saarif’ kicked off this campaign against profiteers which had gripped the whole nation. Interestingly, unlike many other campaigns, the message has been mostly shared on Facebook and WhatsApp rather than taking place on Twitter trends.
“Even supermarkets are offering fruit at high prices. By not buying fruit for three days, we could disturb the whole chain associated with this business, because, as far as I can see, the wholesalers are the main culprits behind creating this artificial price hike during Ramazan,” she said.
Another senior member of Aawaz-e-Saarif, Noor Ul Huda Shaheen said the movement had gained momentum. “We request pushcart vendors who sell fruits to join hands with us and do not buy fruits from markets. Instead they can sell something else for these three days in the best interests of the public,” he said.
He said the boycott on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will show the power of consumers. A post in this regard has suggested masses to opt for other food over fruit for these three days.
Interestingly, Sindh Minister for Information Nasir Hussain Shah and Commissioner Karachi Ejaz Ahmed Khan have also reportedly expressed support for the boycott, while their job is to control the prices. ■